Thoughtful Limericks in Times of Quarantine and Isolation

If you’re like most people, you may be spending a lot more time by yourself this month than you’re used to. And spending time with yourself can be a good thing. Although it might not always feel like a good thing. But if you use that time in quarantine or isolation wisely, it could be an opportunity for personal growth, and maybe these thoughtful limericks can help you with that.

Everyone I know is feeling overwhelmed with emotions right now, from anger and fear to boredom and frustration. And it’s important to recognize these feelings, which are entirely valid and natural. But it’s equally important to detach from these ardent sensations. Acknowledge them, and let them go. Learn to have those feelings without those feeling having you.

So much of the mindless consumerism that drives our society and our economy, in times of so-called normalcy, also serves to distract us from ourselves. Now, however, in the absence of those rousing diversions, we’re left stranded with our own thoughts. It reminds me of a line from a comic philosopher: “My mind is like a dark alley. I try not to go there alone.”

But if you can overcome that initial dread, it’s a chance pause and reflect, to bring thoughts and actions into harmony. It’s a time to avoid going out and meeting up, but rather to look in and reconnect. When externalities have you locked up, inner liberation is your one and only choice.

     Ineffable Causation
     Less than concrete but it’s more than a notion
     The very strong sense of perpetual motion
               And nobody knows
               Where the energy goes
     But the force that propels it has earned my devotion

     Sagacity
     In youth we face facts we’re not ready for knowing
     In time the true features will all begin showing
               A prize to be earning
               For those who keep learning
     The secret to wisdom is never stop growing

     Standing Firm
     The dark side is strong but its spirit is haunted
     Tempting your senses with more than you wanted
               On strength from within
               You must never give in
     As the soldier of truth presses onward undaunted

     Trust in Thyself
     Nothing is sacred, no object or book
     Question the writings, let scripture be shook
               Observe what you think
               Over paper and ink
     Just wander inside, you deserve a long look

     Higher Appetites
     Our race was awarded a wealth of awareness
     A thirst for the truth and a hunger for fairness
               A knack for reflection
               And deep introspection
     But genuine insights are still such a rareness

     Inner Appraisal
     Sometimes we judge ourselves far too severely
     Or value our righteousness rather too dearly
               How does one measure
               His innermost treasure
     God only knows, can you see yourself clearly?

     King Tide Conjunction
     Ten thousand things and I’ve tussled with each
     Einstein in Hollywood Joyce on the Beach
               Degrees of precision
               From all forms of vision
     And never a facet with nothing to teach

Further Reading

If you liked these thoughtful limericks, you’ll be sure to enjoy:

• Limericks about Hope in Times of Coronavirus
• Limericks about Søren Kierkegaard
• What is a limerick?