How To-9: "How to Write Limericks"

How to Write Limericks

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Limericks are 5 lined poems that make you laugh. The Book of Nonsense was the first book of limericks. Easy enough? Get set, ready, write!

Steps

1. Brainstorm on a topic or theme you want to write. Whether it's love, friendship, hatred or even cupcakes, you'll do well if you understand and like the topic.
   
2. Think of two different words that have a lot of other 'rhymes'. "Cat" is one example, "ball" is another.
   
   1. The first two lines have to rhyme. Take up one of your words and write the lines. It has to have an 'introduction' feel. Also, it would be best if they had a beat.
      
   2. The next two lines should rhyme with a different word. These should be shorter than line number 1 and 2.
      
   
   
3. # The last line should be funny or the 'punch line'. The last words should rhyme with the word of the 1 and 2 lines.
   
4. Read it and laugh!
   

Tips

• We usually start the 1st line with 'There once was a ___ from _____" This is easier.
  
• Love poems are harder to write. Limericks are jokes, not love poems.
  
• Choose animals, plants, or people as topics for starters. Don't begin with something too abstract.
  
• Read some of Edward Lear's limericks and nonsense poems.
  

Related wikiHows

• How to Write a Poem
  
• How to Write a Haiku Poem
  
• How to Write an Initial Poem
  
• How to Write a Love Poem
  
• How to Become Inspired to Write Poetry
  

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