What type of light verse consists of five lines with a specific rhyme scheme?

The correct answer is a limerick, which is a specific form of light verse characterized by its five-line structure and a distinct rhyme scheme of AABBA. This pattern creates a playful and often humorous rhythm, typically with the first, second, and fifth lines containing three metrical feet, while the third and fourth lines have two metrical feet. The limerick format is well-suited for storytelling or witty commentary, making it a popular choice for poets looking to entertain.

In contrast, a ballad usually consists of a narrative poem that tells a story and often features a quatrain structure, but it does not adhere to the limerick's specific five-line format. A haiku is a three-line poem with a 5-7-5 syllabic pattern and focuses on nature or moments of beauty, thus lacking the rhyme scheme found in limericks. A sonnet, typically consisting of 14 lines with a specific meter and rhyme scheme, is also quite different in structure and purpose from a limerick. Each of these forms serves distinct artistic purposes, but the limerick uniquely fits the description given in the question.