Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

LAWYER AND CHILD by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY

Poet Analysis

First Line: HOW LARGE WAS ALEXANDER, FATHER
Last Line: ABOUT THE SIZE OF ME.
Subject(s): CHILDREN; FATHERS; HISTORY; CHILDHOOD; HISTORIANS;
HOW large was Alexander, father,
That parties designate
The historic gentleman as rather
Inordinately great?

Why, son, to speak with conscientious
Regard for history,
Waiving all claims, of course, to heights pretentious, --
About the size of me.



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