I love writing for many reasons, but one of the most important reasons is because it’s fun. Now and again I stumble upon something that reminds me of this fun factor. Just over a year ago I heard about clerihew. It’s a poem of sort, a few quick, rhyming lines that are intended to bring a smile to the reader.

 

What is a clerihew?

A clerihew consists of four lines, the first rhyming with the second and the third with the fourth. They are usually short with a little twist at the end. They’re written about famous or well-known people. The meter doesn’t matter.

 

The clerihew was created by Edward Clerihew Bentley (1875-1956). Apparently, he was a sixteen-year-old boy in science class when the first one formed in his head:

 

Sir Humphry Davy

Was not fond of gravy.

He lived in the odium

Of having discovered sodium.

 

He published the best-known clerihew in 1905 in his first of three volumes of clerihews, Biography for Beginners:

 

Sir Christopher Wren

Said, “I am going to dine with some men.

If anyone calls

Say I am designing St. Paul’s.”

 

Naturally, when I discovered this fun little poem style, I had to write my own:

 

Silly me, I thought it was understood.

There’s limited quality to Ronald’s food.

Those who eat it shouldn’t run it down.

After all, they trusted their meal to a clown.

 

Rodney MacDonald got his way

and made Nova Scotians work every day.

Canada Day, Christmas and Labour Day, too.

I’ve a list of nasty thoughts, Rodney, all for you.

 

Rascal McTaz has a beard and a bell

When he’s in runt he’s got a keen smell.

He’ll stick out his nose and run for a mile

Or maybe he’ll stick around to make you smile.

 

Can you write a clerihew in five minutes?