The origin of the Limerick is uncertain. I read that it was around in the thirteenth century, but the rhyming sequence was different, and so I ask, “Can they be called Limericks?”
Some sources say it came from an Irish soldiers’ song called “Will You Come up to Limerick.” People made up verses as it was sung.
They may also have been a way for people to remember things. It’s easier if there’s a known rhythm .
It was made popular in England by Edward Lear who wrote his “Book of Nonsense” in 1846, although he did not call his poems limericks, but Nonsense Verse.
Wherever the name and the poems came from, they are an important part of our culture, and the form appears from nursery rhymes to songs.
Limericks were typically rude and bawdy, but as this is a family-friendly website, I’ve kept mine clean. I hope you enjoy these two.
I was inspired to begin to write this form of poetry by reading many written by Kevin Morris, who seems to be the Edward Lear of today. Thanks Kevin.
So without more ado, here are my poems.
One day as I played my violin
The door opened and Mother came in.
She said with a frown,
“Please put that thing down.
Nobody likes your vile din.”
Difficult maths is my pride.
I can solve it when others have cried.
Cone volume divining,
Circle area refining.
I think you can say it’s pi-eyed.
If you enjoyed my limericks, (or even if you didn’t) please add a comment in the comments box.
If you would like to buy any of my books, simply click on the cover in the sidebar and it will take you to Amazon where you are.
All are available in ebook and paperback format, with some also in hardback and audio.
I send out a newsletter every 3 months with news of my writing, new releases, cover reveals and the occasional exclusive short story. If you would like to join, please click on the button below.
Discover more from Dragons Rule OK. V.M.Sang (author)
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Dragons Rule OK. V.M.Sang (author) 
Good effort on the limericks, Vivienne – far better than I could manage, and they raised a smile. I used to enjoy Edward Lear’s stuff but confess that the only limericks I can remember now are pretty rude. I still giggle at the one David Niven claimed to have recited for a screen test. It began:
“There once was a young man from Leeds
Who swallowed a packet of seeds…”
LikeLiked by 1 person
Apparently, historically they were a bit rude, but as this is a family-friendly site I thought I’d better keep it clean. I’m glad I made you smile.
LikeLike
Thank you for this delicious poetry. Kevin is also making it best. Thank you for the historical information too.So far I thought that this verse form is derived from the place of the same name. Have a beautiful week! Michael
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m glad you enjoyed my limericks. I thought that they cane from Limerick, too, until I looked it up. Several sources mention the song.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you so much for sharing. Always great fun, with only a few lines. xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love limericks, but had no idea of their history. They’re a blast to write when silliness is the goal. Yours are great, Viv. The play on words was fun.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Diana. I enjoyed writing them. I’m glad you enjoyed them.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on K Morris – Poet and commented:
My thanks to Vivienne for her extremely kind mention of my limericks. I enjoyed both Vivienne’s limericks.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for the reblog, Kevin. And it was you who inspired me to write some of my own.
LikeLiked by 2 people
It was my pleasure to reblog your post, Vivienne. And I’m pleased that I inspired you to write some limericks of your own. I look forward to reading more of them. Kevin.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ll definitely be posting more.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for the kind mention, Vivienne. I greatly enjoyed both of your limericks. Best wishes. Kevin
LikeLiked by 1 person
Excellent. Well done. Love a good limerick. Have you come across Esther’s prompt, currently being run by Lance Greenfield? Just a bit of fun.
LikeLiked by 2 people
No, I’ve not come across that one. I’ll go and look it up.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The one limerick I always think of was used by Rev. Wilbert Awdry to open The Sad Story of Henry.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I don’t know that one, Andrew. I’ll look it up.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I found it:
Once, an engine attached to a train
Was afraid of a few drops of rain
It went into a tunnel,
And squeaked through its funnel
And never came out again.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Andrew. I love it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome.
LikeLiked by 1 person