The Zigzag Zealous Zebra

The Zigzag Zealous Zebra,
who carried five Monkeys on his back all
the way to Jellibolee.

Edward Lear

Edward Lear was an English artist, musician, author, and poet famous for his literary nonsense and limericks. Born on May 12, 1812, in Holloway, England, Lear created a genre of literary nonsense that influenced many later English writers. He is best known for his work 'A Book of Nonsense' and 'The Owl and the Pussycat.' His whimsical style and imaginative use of language captivated both children and adults alike. Lear passed away on January 29, 1888.

Edward Lear

More Nonsense Limerick 34

Edward Lear, Simple Poetry

Book Of Nonsense Limerick 82.

Edward Lear, Simple Poetry

More Nonsense Limerick 33

Edward Lear, Simple Poetry

More Nonsense Limerick 94

Edward Lear, Simple Poetry

English

Suggested Poems

Explore a curated selection of verses that share themes, styles, and emotional resonance with the poem you've just read.

The Enthusiastic Elephant,

The Enthusiastic Elephant,
who ferried himself across the water with the
Kitchen Poker and a New pair of Ear-rings.

Edward Lear

Nonsense Alphabet 3

A



A was an ape,
Who stole some white tape,
And tied up his toes
In four beautiful bows.

a!

Funny old ape!


B



B was a bat,
Who slept all the day,
And fluttered about
When the sun went away.

b!

Brown little bat!


C



C was a camel:
You rode on his hump;
And if you fell off,
You came down such a bump!


c!

What a high camel!


D



D was a dove,
Who lived in a wood,
With such pretty soft wings,
And so gentle and good!

Edward Lear

The Scroobious Snake

The Scroobious Snake,
who always wore a Hat on his Head, for
fear he should bite anybody.

Edward Lear

The Kicking Kangaroo

The Kicking Kangaroo,
who wore a Pale Pink Muslin dress
with Blue spots.

Edward Lear

Nonsense Alphabet 1

A



A was an ant
Who seldom stood still,
And who made a nice house
In the side of a hill.

a!
Nice little ant!


B



B was a book
With a binding of blue,
And pictures and stories
For me and for you.

b!
Nice little book!


C



C was a cat
Who ran after a rat;
But his courage did fail
When she seized on his tail.

c!
Crafty old cat!


D



D was a duck
With spots on his back,
Who lived in the water,
And always said "Quack!"

d!
Dear little...

Edward Lear

The Good-natured Grey Gull

The Good-natured Grey Gull,
who carried the Old Owl, and his Crimson Carpet-bag,
across the river, because he could not swim.

Edward Lear