If I were President, I'd speak When I had things to say, Or once a week, or twice a week, Or twenty times a day. I'd give my speeches to the press As I was minded to; And that, unless I miss my guess, Is -- just -- what -- Taft -- does -- do. If I were President, I'd go About this goodly land, Sure not for fun and not for show, But just to understand. While shallow critics dully stormed I'd range the country through; And that, unless I'm misinformed, Is -- just -- what -- Taft -- does -- do. If I were President, I'd tell The Congress my desires, And they might act, or go to -- well, The place of forest fires. I would not urge, or prod, or nudge, Or beat the stubborn crew; And that, if I am any judge, Is -- just -- what -- Taft -- does -- do. If I were President, in short, I'd try to do my work In steady, self-respecting sort, Nor ever flinch or shirk. I'd keep a smile upon my face Whoever played the shrew; And that, with cheery grit and grace, Is -- just -- what -- Taft -- does -- do. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE ART OF POETRY; TO CHARLES MORICE by PAUL VERLAINE ON A LADY WHO FANCIED HERSELF A BEAUTY by CHARLES SACKVILLE (1637-1706) A BALLADE OF LAWN TENNIS by FRANKLIN PIERCE ADAMS ON THE MARRIAGE OF A BEAUTEOUS YOUNG GENTLEWOMAN WITH AN ANCIENT MAN by FRANCIS BEAUMONT NATALIA'S RESURRECTION: 31 by WILFRID SCAWEN BLUNT THE LOVE SONNETS OF PROTEUS: 31. TO ONE WHO LOVED HIM by WILFRID SCAWEN BLUNT ENTERTAINMENT GIVEN BY LORD KNOWLES: SONG 1 by THOMAS CAMPION |