Clerihew Poems

A clerihew is a short, humorous biographical poem of four lines. Invented by Edmund Clerihew Bentley, it gently pokes fun at a real (or fictional) person, usually with deliberately lopsided rhyme and rhythm for comic effect.

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Common features and guidance:

• Four Lines: Always a quatrain—compact and punchy.
• Rhyme Scheme: Strict A A B B. Rhymes may be playful, even forced, to heighten humor.
• Opening Line = Name: The first line typically contains the subject’s full name (or a clear identifier).
• Loose Meter: No fixed syllable count; the uneven rhythm is part of the joke.
• Tone & Aim: Light, witty, and surprising—end with a twist, quirk, or affectionate jab.
• Subject Choice: Famous figures are common, but friends, characters, or historical curios also work.
• Style Tips: Use enjambment for comic timing; let the rhyme drive an unexpected image or fact.
• Etiquette: Keep it good-natured; the joke should land without meanness.

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The clerihew thrives on name-first setup, crooked rhymes, and a punchy reveal—biography served with a wink.