Nursery Rhyme
A nursery rhyme is a short traditional or nursery-style poem or song for children. It usually depends on rhyme, rhythm, repetition, simple language, memorable sound, and a strong beat. Nursery rhymes may be playful, soothing, counting-based, cautionary, nonsensical, comic, or quietly strange.

A nursery rhyme often includes animals, children, household objects, weather, simple action, repeated phrases, and singable rhythm. The language should be easy to remember. The poem may appear innocent, but many traditional nursery rhymes contain danger, mischief, odd logic, or old social memory.

To write a nursery rhyme, choose a simple subject and give it a strong rhythm. Use clear rhyme, repetition, and sound. Let the poem be easy to speak aloud. It may teach, amuse, comfort, warn, or simply play.

Little Bell

Little bell, little bell,
Ring beside the door.
Call the sun across the hill,
Call the sheep once more.

Little bell, little bell,
Swinging in the rain.
Call the children home to tea,
Then ring them out again.

“Little Bell” follows the nursery-rhyme style through simple language, repetition, rhyme, rhythm, and a childlike subject. The repeated address makes the poem easy to remember and speak aloud.

Nursery rhyme is a traditional children’s verse category. A WoPoLian nursery rhyme may imitate the style while using a modern, comic, dark, or surprising subject.