# Frank R. Coates explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Ring Lardner.

## What happens

A brief poetic tribute to Frank R. Coates, president of the Toledo Railways & Light Company, highlighting his role in providing light and transportation to the community.

## Themes in this chapter

### Community and Companionship

The poem emphasizes how Coates's services bring the community together, from lighting homes to transporting people to root for the 'Rail-lights.'

### Work and Profession

Frank R. Coates is recognized for his professional role as a utility company president, highlighting the impact of his work on daily life.

## Character check-ins

### Frank R. Coates

President of Toledo Railways & Light Co., celebrated for lighting houses and running streetcars.

## Key lines

> He’s got us all coming his way; lights Our houses at night, and when daylight’s Supplanted the stars, We ride on his cars And swarm to root for his “Rail-lights.”

Frank R. Coates has won everyone over; he lights our homes after dark, and during the day we ride his streetcars and gather to cheer for his 'Rail-lights' team.

_The verse describes Coates's influence through his utility services and the community's enthusiastic support._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_19_se/chapters/frank-r-coates
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_19_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_19_se/chapters