NATIONAL LIMERICK DAY

There was a school to the south,

and whenever they opened their mouth,

they would moan and they'd whine,

But they could never hold the line

So on there Gator tails we would dine.

NATIONAL LIMERICK DAY

Observed annually on May 12th, National Limerick Day celebrates the birthday of English artist, illustrator, author, and poet Edward Lear (May 12, 1812 – Jan. 29, 1888). Lear is known mostly for his literary nonsense in poetry, prose, and limericks.

The day also celebrates the limerick poem. Limerick poems were popularized by Edward Lear’s book “Book of Nonsense” in 1846. A limerick is a very short, humorous, nonsense poem. Within a limerick, there are five lines. The first two lines rhyme with the fifth line and the third and fourth line rhyme together.

The Limerick also has a particular rhythm which is officially described as anapestic trimeter. 

THERE WAS A YOUNG LADY

By Edward Lear

There was a Young Lady whose chin

Resembled the point of a pin;

So she had it made sharp, and purchased a harp,

And played several tunes with her chin.

While Lear is credited with popularizing the Limerick, the poetry style existed long before the publication of his book. Even so, the Limerick celebrates fun turns of phrase, rhythm, and humor in short form. It also plays with words and peoples’ expectations.

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalLimerickDay

Enter a Limerick contest with a poem of your own. Read and share your favorite Limericks using #NationalLimerickDay to post on social media. If you don’t have a favorite, try reading Looney Limericks compiled by Frank Jacobs.

Care to make a limerick for us?