A couple of days ago the boys asked me to write a limerick about a chameleon. This is what I came up with (please forgive the dodgy rhymes, ‘chameleon’ is a tough one!):
I once met a sporty chameleon
Who boasted: “You know, I can REALLY run!
I’d beat you hands down
In a race round this town
With my powerful legs and my steely bum!”
My just-turned-seven-year-old drew the picture above to go with it. When I asked why the chameleon was losing (I assumed he would win the race) he said “Because he’s a show-off and show-off’s never win. Even when they win they really lose because they’re showing off and no one likes that.”
I rather like this idea- that winning is more than just coming first; if no one is happy for you or likes you then you ultimately lose. But because it was breakfast time and I couldn’t really get my head round the philosophical standpoint, I decided to write another limerick to tell the rest of the tale and make sure that Mr Boastful Chameleon got his just desserts in a straightforward way:
So the show-off and I had a race
“I’ll win!” he said “I’ll get first place!”
But three steps from the line
Success became mine
When he tripped and fell flat on his face!
This is the first time I’ve written limericks that follow on from each other. Maybe I could write a story in limerick form at some point? Or would that be mad? I suspect my sons would love it though!
I love your limericks Maddy, and think a story would be fab! Your son is bang on the money about people not liking show offs, clever boy
Thanks- yes, maybe I will try a story at some point!
This really is brilliant! Thank you for stopping by my blog. I enjoy your writing too
#PoCoLo
Oh thank you Vai Chin!
Your son is like a genius and so sensitive with emotions. No one wants a show off ever =) #pocolo
He’s definitely sensitive with emotions… not sure about the genius though! Thanks Merlinda