NATIONAL CLERIHEW DAY
NATIONAL CLERIHEW DAY
On July 10 each year, National Clerihew Day in the United States celebrates a poem style created by Edmund Clerihew Bentley. His four-line biographical poem offers a brief, though whimsical, approach to poetry.
#NationalClerihewDay
An English novelist and humorist, Edmund Clerihew Bentley (July 10, 1875 – March 30, 1956), created the first-ever Clerihew at the age of 16.
Sir Humphry Davy
Abominated gravy.
He lived in the odium
Of having discovered sodium
5 Clerihew Must-Haves
As with most poetry, the Clerihew is defined by a set of rules. These rules identify the clerihew style, but also make the short poem entertaining and informative. A clerihew poem must include:
Four lines.
Rhyming couplets of AA/BB.
A person's name in the first line.
Something said about that person.
Humor because clerihew poems are meant to be a funny poem.
The genre of poetry wasn't limited to Bentley. Other poets wrote and published in this form as well, and still do.
A Cluster of Clerihews by Gavin Ewart
Excuse My Clerihews by William Hazell
The Lost Clerihews of Paul Ingram by Paul Ingram (Though they don't really seem lost, I guess they once were.)
Like limericks, poets poke fun at people real and imagined. As with any humor, the Clerihew draws a chuckle from the reader as well as the subject of the poem. If you can't laugh at yourself and you're the subject of a Clerihew, it's probably better not to read it. If you're writing a Clerihew about someone who can't take a joke, maybe don't write the Clerihew. Or, write it about not being able to take a joke.
Nelly Belly ha ha
Danced to Lady GaGa.
Fell on her bum.
Cried in her rum.
HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL CLERIHEW DAY
Grab a pen and try your hand at this whimsical poetic form! Remember the golden rules: four lines, an AABB rhyme scheme, and a person's name right out of the gate in line one. Keep it light, goofy, and fun.
Challenge your friends, family, or coworkers to a rhyming duel. Pick a famous historical figure, a favorite fictional character, or even each other, and see who can come up with the most hilarious four-line biography.
Post your masterworks on social media to spread the laughs. Be sure to use the hashtag #NationalClerihewDay to join the global celebration and see what other poets are dreaming up!
Take some time to read through the works of Edmund Clerihew Bentley or other famous humorists who mastered the craft. It's a great way to find inspiration and get a feel for the rhythm.
Explore the world of Clerihews, too. You might find the entertainment worth celebrating! Post on social media using #NationalClerihewDay.
NATIONAL CLERIHEW DAY HISTORY
National Clerihew Day is observed annually July 10, which is the birthday of Edmund Clerihew Bentley.