Tips on Writing a Limerick Poem: Make Your Piece Pop Out

Getting to know some tips on writing a limerick poem is a fun way to enhance your pieces, especially if you’re already a lover of the art.

Similar to the famous tortured poets who left a mark on the world, we should learn some tricks on how to improve our writing, particularly with limerick. Author Marshall S. Flam, MD, is a limerick lover himself, and after I read some of his educational and amusing limericks, I had such a blast. His book, “Wordle Limericks Volume 1,” had many amazing limericks within its pages that inspired me to research and know more about the art.

With that said, here are some tips and tricks for writing limericks I’ve learned as I scoured the Internet!

What Is a Limerick?

In essence, a limerick is a five-line poem with rhymes in the first, second, and fifth lines, as well as the third and fourth. Whereas lines three and four contain six syllables each, lines one, two, and five typically (but not always) have nine syllables apiece. Ultimately, the brief poetry has an anapestic meter beat. In the upcoming post, I’ll go into each of these limericks’ facets.

Writing a Good Limerick Is Picking the Right Subject Matter

A limerick is supposed to address a lighthearted and whimsical subject, frequently in an offensive or even pornographic manner. Naturally, that is not necessary.

The most important thing to remember when considering a subject matter you want to focus on is to write about topics and things you are interested in. Since I’m a poet, I occasionally write limericks regarding other poets. Whitman is among the most well-known American poets of the 19th century, and Rumi is most likely my favorite Persian poet.

You will write more details, depending on how much you know about a person or a topic. Even though it’s only a five-line poem, having a greater corpus of information and vocabulary to draw from will make it simpler to get the meter and rhyme perfectly.

Limerick Writing Tips for Beginners: Know the 6 Characteristics of a Limerick

Since rhymes have a consistent structure and pattern, they may be clearly distinguished from other literary styles. If you want to learn how to write a limerick, then you need to be acquainted with these characteristics:

1. A single stanza with five lines makes up a limerick.
2. The rhyming words in a limerick are found within the first, second, and fifth lines.
3. It’s required that the third and fourth lines actually rhyme.
4. Limericks have an anapestic rhythm, which comprises two unstressed syllables followed by a stressed third syllable.
5. There are three anapests in each of the first, second, and last lines.
6. There are two anapests found in the third and fourth lines.

Knowing these characteristics is one of the most important tips on writing a limerick poem. Even in his educational and amusing limericks, Marshall S. Flam, MD, adheres to these characteristics. Be sure to know these characteristics by heart to start writing awesome pieces of limericks.

Tips and Tricks for Writing a Good Limerick

Try composing your limerick if you’re in the mood and have a clever topic in mind. Aside from their rigid framework, there’s a lot of flexibility regarding limerick topics. To write a good and humorous limerick, use these six writing suggestions.

• Have a Story You Want to Tell

You’ll discover that other limericks, with their main character, storyline, and resolution, follow a narrative arc. Write a limerick using the same mindset as you would a very short novel.

• Begin With the Subject You Want to Talk About

Introduce the primary character in your opening line if you’re including a setting. Start with your name as a trial run, write down phrases that rhyme with it, and discover what humorous limericks you might come up with.

• Don’t Be Afraid to Make Your Limerick Absurd

The purpose of a limerick is to be absurd and silly. Put your main character in a ridiculous situation to increase the humor once you’ve introduced them.

• Try to Include a Plot Twist in the End

A limerick’s last line is comparable to a joke’s punch line. Give your limericks a surprising conclusion.

• Don’t Stray Away From a Limerick’s Structure

When it comes to the topic of limericks, the possibilities are endless. However, adhere to the anapestic rhythm pattern and the AABBA rhyme scheme. Use a rhyming lexicon to get ideas if you need help with rhymes.

• Once You’re Done Writing, Read Your Limerick Aloud

Poetry is enjoyable to compose and even more so to recite aloud. Reading a poem aloud will help you ensure your writing rhythm is correct. When you’re finished, read it aloud to others to enjoy a good chuckle.

Be Sure to Apply These Tips on Writing a Limerick Poem for Your Next Piece

If you liked these hints, techniques, and resources for producing limericks, or if you have any more strategies to share, kindly let us know in the comments section below.

Oh, and if you’re interested, I highly suggest visiting Marshall S. Flam’s website by clicking here so that you can buy his book and read more educational and amusing limericks. Check out our other articles, too, and get a deep dive into literature!