What makes life so sweet
___________________________
Limericks traditionally make a light-hearted humorous poetic device. Yet, the traditional expectation is subverted here to deliver a deeply philosophical and melancholic reflection. The core paradox here is the idea that life is sweet because it never comes again is a gorgeous nod to the concept of impermanence. Lines 3 and 4 capture the existential anxiety of missing connections and lost time. The final line is resonant of the fact that those we met here would not again meet. Our mortality and the fleeting nature of time precisely are what give life its flavour, and yet… The second limerick takes up from ‘fret’ and ‘regret’ of the first to reason further that even the briefest of life casts a lasting light. The meter used is anapaest.
_________________________
What I wonder makes life tempting sweet?
It would not come again us to greet.
And its greatest regret
That left are we to fret?
Those we met here would not again meet.
Yet the gloom that makes all us to fret,
Is the reason we never forget.
For, that briefest of spark
Leaves a light in the dark,
Whose sweetness’ never lost ever yet.
____________________________
Reflections | 24.09.2026| gloom, greet, life, light, meet, regret, Limerick
Post Comments
Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.
Please
Login
to post a comment
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a
Premium Membership.
