International Limericks 31

© Can Stock Photo & damedeeso used with permission

As an exercise in mental masochism, I shall attempt to produce, in strict alphabetic sequence, a limerick based on the name of each of the 193 member-states of the United Nations* (using the short name as commonly used in UK English, abbreviated where it is common practice or makes it easier).

* from the official list available on-line on 5th July, 2021. The addition or removal of countries during the course of this exercise will not be reflected Changes of name will only be reflected if it is in my interests to do so.

Comments or implied comments about countries, including those of a geographical nature, are often the result of my struggle to find a set of words that will satisfy the rhythmic and metric requirements of the format. As such, they don’t necessarily reflect my experiences or opinions, or indeed any form of reality.

Let me know what you think.

THAILAND

Whilst driving through lowland and highland
I spotted a strange traffic island.
It caused me to linger,
But I can’t put my finger…
That’s it! It’s the same shape as Thailand.

TIMOR-LESTE

My holiday in Indonesia
Left me with selective amnesia.
I remember the best day
Was in Timor-Leste;
Or was I still in anaesthesia?

TOGO

What is there to say about Togo
Except, on my pay, it’s a no-go.
But I could buy a bag
That features their flag
And a sunny, savannah plains logo.

TONGA

One-sixty-nine isles of Pacific,
Make up Tonga, and that’s quite specific.
A remote paradise
Which is really quite nice
Till a volcano strikes – that’s horrific!.

TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

Explore Trinidad and Tobago
In the comfort of your Winnebago.
Relax and unwind
From the workaday grind
Then ask yourself, “Where did the day go?”

TUNISIA

I booked with the tour firm, Fly-Inter
Some Tunisian sun in the winter.
I paid with my phone
Then waited alone
As the ticket came out on my printer

---

Bear with me - not long to go now.

International Limericks 30

© Can Stock Photo & damedeeso used with permission

 

As an exercise in mental masochism, I shall attempt to produce, in strict alphabetic sequence, a limerick based on the name of each of the 193 member-states of the United Nations* (using the short name as commonly used in UK English, abbreviated where it is common practice or makes it easier). 

* from the official list available on-line on 5th July, 2021. The addition or removal of countries during the course of this exercise will not be reflected Changes of name will only be reflected if it is in my interests to do so.

Comments or implied comments about countries, including those of a geographical nature, are often the result of my struggle to find a set of words that will satisfy the rhythmic and metric requirements of the format. As such, they don’t necessarily reflect my experiences or opinions, or indeed any form of reality.

Let me know what you think.

 

SURINAME

Suriname is remarkably small
Sixty thousand square miles, that is all.
It’s easy to reach,
Has a fabulous beach
So make your way there – have a ball.

SWAZILAND

Swaziland is now called eSwatini;
It’s so small, one could almost say weeny.
A great destination
For your next vacation;
You’ll love it, so pack your bikini.

SWEDEN

My friend who lives in Scandinavia
Said that I was in need of a saviour.
He told me that Sweden
Was practically Eden
And a visit could help my behaviour.

SWISS CONFEDERATION
(Switzerland)

The country called Swiss Federation
I find is an interesting nation.
There’s more to it than mountains
Cuckoo clocks and fountains;
And gnomes that cause endless frustration.

SYRIAN ARAB REPUBLIC
(Syria)

Syria has long been in trouble
Her streets are reduced into rubble.
They can’t take much more
Of this ongoing war
So, let’s sue for peace – on the double!

TAJIKISTAN

Remember my sailor friend, Dan?
He took me to Tajikistan.
When I asked him why,
He just winked his eye
And replied, “I do it coz I can.”.

International Limericks 29

© Can Stock Photo & damedeeso used with permission

 

As an exercise in mental masochism, I shall attempt to produce, in strict alphabetic sequence, a limerick based on the name of each of the 193 member-states of the United Nations* (using the short name as commonly used in UK English, abbreviated where it is common practice or makes it easier). 

* from the official list available on-line on 5th July, 2021. The addition or removal of countries during the course of this exercise will not be reflected Changes of name will only be reflected if it is in my interests to do so.

Comments or implied comments about countries, including those of a geographical nature, are often the result of my struggle to find a set of words that will satisfy the rhythmic and metric requirements of the format. As such, they don’t necessarily reflect my experiences or opinions, or indeed any form of reality.

Let me know what you think.

 

SOMALIA

Mogadishu, on Africa’s coast
Is not my first choice of outpost.
With pirates and wars,
Somalia’s shores
Are far less inviting than most.

SOUTH AFRICA

Some years ago, I did escape
To South Africa’s famed Northen Cape.
I went on safari
Which made me feel sorry
That I wasn’t in better shape.

SOUTH SUDAN

I know little about South Sudan,
I’ll find more as soon as I can.
Examining media
That’s in Wikipedia
Does sound like a very good plan.

SPAIN

The last time we went down to Spain
We were caught in so much heavy rain
That our first thought was ‘shove it’
But really, we love it.
You know we’ll go back there again.

SRI LANKA

Writing a poem on Sri Lanka
Should really be done using Tanka.
They speak Sinhalese;
I have no expertise
But why is it called lingua franca?

SUDAN

Sudan is an Islamic nation
With a growing but poor population
It has difficult soil
But at least it has oil
To keep it from total stagnation.