The Mind Creative AUGUST 2014 | Page 23

The Mind Creative Although the Limerick is a popular form in children’s verse, it is often comical, nonsensical, and sometimes even lewd to the point of being rather vulgar. The fact is, limericks are known for their delightful simplicity. The examples below clearly show the intended audience as well as the bawdiness, nonsense, humour, and delightful storytelling simplicity of the form. There once was a man from Peru Who had lot of growing up to do, He would ring a doorbell, then run like hell, Until the owner shot him with a .22 There was an Old Man with a beard, Who said, “It is just as I feared! Two Owls and a Hen, Four Larks and a Wren, Have all built their nests in my beard!” A bather whose clothing was strewed By winds that left her quite nude Saw a man come along And unless we are wrong, You expect this line to be lewd! 23