Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, IF I WERE PRESIDENT, by AMOS RUSSEL WELLS


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

IF I WERE PRESIDENT, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: If I were president, I'd speak
Last Line: Is -- just -- what -- taft -- does -- do.
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Taft, William Howard (1957-1930)


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.





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