# F. L. Bateman explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Ring Lardner.

## What happens

A brief, playful poem expressing gratitude to F. L. Bateman, president of the Trans-Continental Freight Co., for his role as a freightman, with a humorous wish that others were as efficient.

## Themes in this chapter

### Work and Profession

The poem highlights Bateman's role as a freight company president, emphasizing professional identity.

### Humor and Satire

The playful rhyme and wish for others to 'rhyme with their job' injects lighthearted satire.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown Narrator

The speaker who addresses F. L. Bateman with gratitude and humor.

## Key lines

> I’m grateful to you, Mr. Bateman, For being a prominent freightman.

I thank you, Mr. Bateman, for your notable work in freight transport.

_Expresses direct gratitude for Bateman's professional role._

> If the rest of this mob Had rhymed with their job, I’d have worked at much faster a rate, man.

If everyone else were as dedicated to their work, I would have been more productive.

_Humorous wish for others' efficiency, playing on the word 'rhymed'._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_19_se/chapters/f-l-bateman
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_19_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_19_se/chapters