Nonsense poetry, or nonsense verse, can be found throughout children's nursery rhymes, limericks, and even old Anglo-Saxon riddles. Nonsense poetry refers to any sort of poetry that is nonsensical in nature, be it that some of the words are made up and meaningless or that the words exist but make little sense in the context they are used in. Often nonsense poetry is lighthearted and has a simple rhyming scheme to it. Most nonsensical poems were written to entertain and amuse children, such as the verses found in children's nursery rhymes.
Popular writers of nonsense poetry throughout history include Lewis Carroll, Edward Lear, Roald Dahl, and the famous children's book author Dr. Seuss. The works of Lewis Carroll are examples of nonsense verses where words are made up. His poem Jabberwocky features phrases like "vorpal sword," "manxome foe," and "uffish thought." While Carroll later explained the words and how he chose them — often by combining various words that described the word he was looking for — they are still nonsensical and the reader could assign any meaning he wanted to them.
Popular writers of nonsense poetry throughout history include Lewis Carroll, Edward Lear, Roald Dahl, and the famous children's book author Dr. Seuss. The works of Lewis Carroll are examples of nonsense verses where words are made up. His poem Jabberwocky features phrases like "vorpal sword," "manxome foe," and "uffish thought." While Carroll later explained the words and how he chose them — often by combining various words that described the word he was looking for — they are still nonsensical and the reader could assign any meaning he wanted to them.