Clerihew Poems

A clerihew poem is a four-line funny poem written about a specific topic.  It can be about a famous person, an animal, a fictional character, a music group, or anything at all. 

Writing a Clerihew

Clerihews are rhyming poems that follow a simple pattern; while what you write about in each line is up to you, you need to make sure you are rhyming the right lines together:

Line 1: This line ends with the name of the person or thing you are making fun of

Line 2: This line must rhyme with the first line

Line 3: This line does not rhyme with the first two lines

Line 4: This line rhymes with line 3 and sometimes includes a funny twist

Examples of Clerihews:

Our art teacher, Mr. Shaw,
Really knows how to draw.
But his awful paintings
Have caused many faintings.

The enemy of Harry Potter
Was a scheming plotter.
I can’t tell you what he’s called; I’d be ashamed
To name “he who must not be named.”

‘NSync
Stink.
Their music hurts my ears.
I much prefer Britney Spears.