May/June 2021 Limerick Laughs Winner and Runners-up

Though I try to be small as a speck,
I’m a bloodthirsty hunter in check.
I’d make a sensation
Of birdie predation
If not for this bell ’round my neck.

Congratulations to Dan Curley of Porter Corners, New York, who won $25 for his witty limerick describing this cover illustration by Sarah Stilwell-Weber from our April 27, 1918, issue.

If you’d like to enter the Limerick Laughs Contest for our upcoming issue, submit your limerick via our online entry form.

Here are some of our other favorite limericks from this contest, in no particular order:

There was a young lady named Mary,
Who guarded her precious canary
From cats acting curious
Whose motives were spurious —
Their sole aim was alimentary.
—Jim Johnston, Poland, Ohio

We have here a young girl named Pat.
She’s shadowed by Felix, the cat.
He’s feigning emotion,
Exudes pure devotion,
While scheming to knock them both flat.
—Wendy Hyrkas, Green Bay, Wisconsin

My friend if you’re wondering how
You can make my sweet lovebird your chow,
I’d advise you, be nice.
Stick to hunting your mice,
Or you’ll utter your final meow.
—Richard Arnold, Bay City, Michigan

This little bird best watch its back —
There’s a bell-collared feline named Jack.
If the bell starts a-ringing,
And the bird stops a-singing,
Then Jack’s had a fine feathered snack!
—Rose Lavenburg, Brooklyn, New York

A bird in the hand, as they say,
Is worth two in the bush any day.
But when Kitty is frisky,
Then both ways are risky,
And a bird in a cage is the way.
—Deborah McCarthy, South Pasadena, Florida

I treasure the time with my pets.
With these two I have no regrets.
They sing and they purr,
And I think you’ll concur
That this is as good as it gets!
—Carolyn Rebello, Palo Alto, California

You don’t have to be so protective.
Let me give you another perspective:
I make it a point
To watch over this joint;
Tweety’s safety’s my only objective.
—Skip Russell, Venice, Florida

Cried Lucy, “You naughty young cat.
You most certainly aren’t eating that!”
Said the cat, “Have no fear.
It’s too skinny, my dear;
I only like birds that are fat.”
—Bob Turvey, Stoke Bishop, Bristol, United Kingdom

I suppose that some squeaky toy mice
And some catnip and treats would suffice
For my birthday this year,
And I’d thank you, my dear,
But a bird would be purr-fectly nice!
—Ken Morgan, Chapel Hill, North Carolina