2 replies to this topic

[-JR-]

I'm seeing mixed reports online about the syllable structure of these poems.  Some sources say 8, 8, 5, 5, 8, while others offer some leeway.  Celvan himself seems to deviate from the former; are differing numbers of syllables acceptable in traditional limericks, or is this a concession for the writer?

[Rhaella]

Looks like differing numbers happen in lots of the most famous traditional limericks (at least, as far as I can tell from counting the syllables on the ones wikipedia thinks is important enough to mention). I'm seeing some 9s instead of 8s, 6s instead of 5s. These could all be stylistically unsound, I suppose, but they seem to be coming from some of the major limerick poets.

[-JR-]

Thanks, Rhaella.