Dance A Ba

By Walter Crane

    Dance a baby diddy!     What can mammy do wid'e?     Sit in her lap,     Give it some pap,     And dance a baby diddy!

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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 charming and playful nursery rhyme, that focuses on the theme of motherhood and the nurturing relationship between a mother and her child. The tone of the poem is light-hearted and affectionate, capturing a sense of joy and warmth that is often associated with the maternal bond.

The structure of the poem is quite simple and traditional, using rhyming couplets to create a rhythmic flow, mimicking the rhythm of a dance, which is the key action in the narrative of the poem. This serves to enhance the playful and musical nature of the poem, making it engaging and memorable for a child. The language is simple and direct, using colloquial terms like "mammy," "diddy," and "pap," to convey a sense of intimacy and familiarity. The repetition of the phrase "Dance a baby diddy!" at the beginning and end of the poem, serves as a refrain, reinforcing the central theme and creating a circular narrative that mirrors the repetitive and comforting rhythms of a child's day. The poem, therefore, serves not just as a piece of literature but as an interactive tool for mother and child, blending the boundaries of literature and daily life.

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.