What type of poetry is typically comprised of a specific rhythmic and metrical structure?

A limerick is a type of poetry known for its distinct rhythmic and metrical structure. It typically consists of five lines, following a specific AABBA rhyme scheme, where the first, second, and fifth lines usually contain three metrical feet (often anapestic), while the shorter third and fourth lines contain two metrical feet. This predetermined format gives limericks their characteristic playful tone and creates a musical quality in the reading.

The other types of poetry mentioned, such as epics, lyric poems, and elegies, can have varied structures and do not adhere to such a strict rhythmic pattern as limericks do. For example, epic poetry is often lengthy and can vary widely in form; lyric poetry focuses more on expressing personal emotions or thoughts without a mandatory structure, and elegies are reflective poems about loss that can also take various forms. Because of its defined structure, limericks stand out as a specific example of poetry that maintains both rhythm and meter consistently.