Limerick Basics: A limerick has five lines that rhyme AABBA. The first, second, and fifth lines should have eight or nine syllables, while the third and fourth lines should have five or six. A limerick also has a specific rhythm, or “meter,” that is created when syllables are stressed in different ways. ________________ Sample Limerick: A woman who once heard a mouse ran screaming all throughout her house. She sent in the cat to dispose of the rat to find it was only her spouse.