Loving John.

By Edwin C. Ranck

Limerick
     John went into the garden one day         And found his baby sister at play;      John hit baby with a brick         And laughed because it made her sick.      John is only two and six         And loves to do these funny tricks.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem is a scathing critique of childhood innocence, presented in a stark and unflinching manner. The use of a simple, six-line stanza structure with uneven lineation and a loose meter creates a sense of disjointedness, mirroring the brutal act at its center. The voice is detached and matter-of-fact, with a tone that is both shocking and disturbing. The imagery is stark and unromanticized, with a focus on the concrete and brutal details of the act. The sound is equally unyielding, with a reliance on short, punchy lines that drive home the poem's message. A structural turn occurs midway through the poem, as the tone shifts from a matter-of-fact observation to a more sinister and playful one. The final line, And loves to do these funny tricks, is particularly noteworthy, as it reveals a chilling sense of normalcy and even enthusiasm for the violent act. This observation highlights the poem's central argument: that childhood violence can be normalized and even trivialized, leaving a lasting impact on the perpetrator's psyche.

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.