More Nonsense Limerick 45

By Edward Lear

Limerick
    There was an old man of Cashmere,     Whose movements were scroobious and queer;     Being slender and tall,     He looked over a wall,     And perceived two fat ducks of Cashmere.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This limerick employs a whimsical tone, inviting the reader to chuckle at the absurdity of its subject. The poem's structure, with its strict AABBA rhyme scheme and anapestic rhythm, lends itself to a lighthearted, almost sing-song quality. The poet utilizes vivid imagery, contrasting the "slender and tall" old man with the "two fat ducks of Cashmere," creating a humorous juxtaposition of size and appearance. The made-up word "scroobious" stands out, adding to the poem's playful absurdity and highlighting the eccentric nature of the old man.

The limerick's brevity leads to a sense of playful incompleteness. We are left with a snapshot of the old man's strange behavior and his peculiar encounter with the ducks, invited to imagine the potential consequences of his observation, or perhaps simply to enjoy the absurdity of the moment. The open-endedness allows for a lingering amusement, suggesting that the humor lies not just in the words themselves, but in the unexpected and nonsensical scenarios they evoke.

Understanding Limerick

A limerick is a five-line poem known for its jaunty rhythm, playful tone, and a punchline twist. It’s built for humor—often sly, sometimes downright silly.

Common characteristics of limericks:

  • Five Lines & Rhyme: The standard scheme is AABBA—the first, second, and fifth lines rhyme; the shorter third and fourth lines rhyme with each other.
  • Bouncy Meter: Typically anapestic (two short, one long beat). Lines 1, 2, and 5 are longer; lines 3 and 4 are shorter.
  • Tone & Humor: Lighthearted, mischievous, and built around a final gag or reversal.
  • Subject & Setup: Often starts with “There once was a … from …,” setting place and character before the comic turn.
  • Sound Play: Internal rhyme, alliteration, and rhythmic snap heighten the joke’s delivery.

The best limericks land like a good toast: quick, musical, and clinched by a memorable last line.