My Slant On “Slant Rhyme” (Limerick)
From time to time, people who enter my limerick contests (and others), ask me my opinion of “slant rhyme” a/k/a “near rhyme.” I have very strong feelings on the subject, as you can see from this limerick:
That thing that some limmers call “slant rhyme,”
Doesn’t sing; it just means that you can’t rhyme.
My slant on the matter?
Avoid “slant rhyme” clatter.
And THAT is the end of my rant rhyme.
Tags: Imperfect Rhyme, Limerick Rules, Limerick Writing Humor, Limerick Writing Rules, Near Rhyme, Rhyme Rules, Rhyming Rules, Slant Rhyme
Well, Madeleine, please do not doubt
That I also have feelings to tout.
Rhyming “rhyme, rhyme, and rhyme?”
The same word every time?
That’s the Number One rule that you flout!
Let’s also not be too dogmatic
About rhyming words multisyllabic.
You can consonants bend
If they’re not at the end;
It won’t ruin society’s fabric.
Said Emily Dickinson, “Slant
Is the right way to tell things.” “I shan’t!”
Answered Madeleine. “Rhyme
Shouldn’t stoop to such slime!
Don’t be bossy! You think you’re my aunt?”
(She was known for using slant rhymes.)
I realise I’m stretching my tether
When I think that my lim is quite clever;
Though Still using slant rhyme
(Don’t Mean that I Can’t rhyme):
The punch line supports the endeavour.