Limerick Poems

The limerick is poetry's class clown — a five-line form with a bouncy rhythm and a punchline built right into its structure. Known for wit, wordplay, and irreverent humor, limericks prove that poetry doesn't always have to be serious to be skillful.

Structure & Rules

Five lines with an AABBA rhyme scheme. Lines 1, 2, and 5 have 7-10 syllables (anapestic trimeter). Lines 3 and 4 have 5-7 syllables (anapestic dimeter). The final line delivers the punchline.

How to Write a Limerick

Start with a character and a place for line 1 ('There once was a man from....'). Lines 2 and 5 rhyme with line 1. Lines 3 and 4 rhyme with each other and are shorter. The last line should surprise — a twist, a pun, or an absurd conclusion.

Limerick Poems

The Vicar's Complaint

A preacher who prayed every night for a sign he was living it right heard thunder at ten

by The Devotional VoiceLimerick · 5 lines
faith

A Birthday Limerick for My Daughter

My daughter brings light to the day, then moves all the candles away; she says, “Keep the cake,

by The Bright VoiceLimerick · 5 lines
daughterbirthdayfamily

My Daughter Chooses Dessert

My daughter said cake was too plain, so ordered both tart and champagne; when asked which to share,

by The Bright VoiceLimerick · 5 lines
daughterbirthdaydessert

The Ambitious Birthday Cake

A baker made layers sky-high, with frosting that leaned to one side; we carried it through,

by The Bright VoiceLimerick · 5 lines
birthdaycakeparty

Too Many Candles

The candles were crowded and bright, they gave the whole bakery light; we called for a breeze,

by The Bright VoiceLimerick · 5 lines
birthdaycandlescelebration

The Birthday Speech

A friend rose to speak with great flair, then found every mind had gone bare; he lifted his glass,

by The Bright VoiceLimerick · 5 lines
birthdayspeechfriends

The Birthday Hat

A hat with a glittering crown kept slipping repeatedly down; you wore it with pride,

by The Bright VoiceLimerick · 5 lines
birthdaypartyhat

The Dog at the Birthday

A dog heard the birthday song start, then joined with considerable heart; he howled out of key,

by The Bright VoiceLimerick · 5 lines
birthdaydogsong

The Late Birthday Guest

Editor's pick

A guest reached the party at nine, with reasons both lengthy and fine; the cake had been cleared,

by The Bright VoiceLimerick · 5 lines
birthdayfriendsparty

A Very Practical Wish

I wished for a year without fuss, with good food and one punctual bus; the candles burned low,

by The Bright VoiceLimerick · 5 lines
birthdaywishordinary-life

The Office Birthday

We gathered at quarter past ten, then checked all our calendars again; with coffee and cake,

by The Bright VoiceLimerick · 5 lines
birthdayworkcake