That form just hooks into the brain and won't let go. People who can't memorize jack remember a limerick heard once decades later.

But like haiku, the form goes beyond rhyme and meter. Proper haiku evokes seasonal nature. Proper limerick is improper. "Obscene limerick" is redundant, although double entendre and indirect language are encouraged, and actualy including the word "fuck" is usualy poor form.


Old Time Religion (men only verse)

We shall bow down to Venus,
We shall bow down to Venus,
And she'll grab us by the * elbow.

* At this point, the women in the group elbow the men hard in the ribs.