POETRY | LIMERICK | HUMOUR
Limericks of Compassion: Verses That Warm the Heart
Captivating limericks celebrating kindness, empathy, and understanding in a world that needs it
During my research on limericks, I probably have read two hundred bawdy ones, and the same amount of the rude, insulting kind.
In consideration of the fact that some of us need a lift, rather than the gift of a rift, I decided to compose limericks that emphasize care and understanding.
Helpful actions!
To begin, compassionate behaviors are those that reflect empathy, kindness, and understanding towards others.
If you’re interested in addiction treatment, I’ll provide some examples of compassionate behaviors in that context, and I will write a limerick about them.
Active hearing!
Truly listening to someone’s struggles and concerns without judgment is the beginning of compassion, creating a safe space for individuals with addiction issues to share their experiences.
No Snuggles for Ruggles
A therapist we shall call Ruggles
Could listen to the clients’ struggles.
Yet be uninvolved
Eventually solved.
And never considered some snuggles.
No notions!
Avoiding judgment and stigmatization is crucial. In non-judgment, instead of blaming or criticizing, showing understanding and a willingness to help can be a compassionate approach.
Don’t Jinx the Baby or the Bride
Compassionate approaches to listening
Are crucial at wedding or christening.
While cocking an ear
Catching diatribes there
No judgment’s allowed during sprinkling.
Use the Force!
A vital compassionate behavior is to provide emotional support, encouragement, and positive reinforcement to individuals in recovery. This boosts their confidence and motivation.
Don’t Curse at the Client
Emotional help for a person
Will then prevent problems that worsen.
In addiction recovery
An important discovery
Is not met by getting your curse on.
People are Human, too!
Respecting an individual’s autonomy and choices in their recovery journey is essential. Encouraging them to make informed decisions can be a compassionate way to empower them.
Choices Are Golden
Respecting a person’s autonomy
Means accepting their choice of economy.
The purchase of booze
Will entice them to lose
And fall on their faces in front of me.
Elevating the issues!
Compassion extends to raising awareness about addiction issues and reducing the stigma associated with it. Educating others about the challenges people with addiction face can help reduce misconceptions.
Your Drugs on Brain
The stigma attached to addiction
In works of historical fiction
Can challenge the truth
Misleading our youth
Encouraging their misconception.
Where’s relief, forget the beef!
Offering help and resources, such as information about treatment options, support groups, or counseling services is another compassionate behavior.
Some Are Made in Heaven
To offer one’s help and resources
Like stop or assist with divorces
It’s notably kind
Remaining behind
Until feelings run all their courses.
Broaden horizons!
In the context of my interests and my goal of addressing addiction and the “thistles of the soul,” these compassionate behaviors can be applied to both individuals struggling with addiction and those who aim to support and understand them.
Perilous Piercing
For souls there are thousands of thistles
For ears words may be risky missiles.
For backs there is peril
When lifting a barrel
Of beer when the temperament bristles.
Sam is an addiction counselor who keeps his Texas license current. An MA from UTA, he writes about addiction to substances, behaviors, and thistles of the soul.
