More Nonsense Limerick 58

By Edward Lear

    There was an old man of Port Grigor,     Whose actions were noted for vigour;     He stood on his head     Till his waistcoat turned red,     That eclectic old man of Port Grigor.

Share & Analyze This Poem

Spread the beauty of poetry or dive deeper into analysis

Analyze This Poem

Discover the literary devices, structure, and deeper meaning

Create Image

Transform this poem into a beautiful shareable image

Copy to Clipboard

Save this poem for personal use or sharing offline


Share the Love of Poetry

Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Analysis & Notes:
This brief poem is a charming example of a limerick, a form of poetry known for its distinct rhyming pattern and often humorous or whimsical content. Consisting of five lines with an AABBA rhyme scheme, the poet demonstrates a firm grasp on this unique style, contributing to the poem's playful and lively tone.

The protagonist of the piece is an old man from Port Grigor, who is characterized by his robustness and eccentricities. The imagery of him standing on his head until his waistcoat turns red not only provides a visual absurdity that is both entertaining and memorable, but it also symbolizes his refusal to succumb to the limitations of old age, thus the theme of vitality in late life emerges. The repeated reference to Port Grigor also invokes the notion of local character or color, suggesting that the man’s peculiar behavior is a notable part of the community's identity. The use of the adjective 'eclectic' in the final line serves to summarize the poem's depiction of the man, reinforcing his individuality and his defiance of conventional behavior.

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.