# John E. Owens explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Ring Lardner.

## What happens

A brief, rhythmic tribute to John E. Owens, a Chicago lawyer, recounting his personal account of an event, with the narrator expressing belief in his story while playfully wishing him ill if it proves false.

## Character check-ins

### John E. Owens

A Chicago lawyer who personally told the narrator a story, which the narrator believes but jokingly hopes will choke him if untrue.

### Unknown Narrator

The narrator who recounts John E. Owens's story and expresses belief in it.

## Key lines

> John E. Owens Lawyer, Chicago He caught it hissilf, Johnny Owens; He tould me in could sober towens. I b’lave him, I do, But if it ain’t thrue, Sure I hope that he’ll choke on the bowens.

John E. Owens, a lawyer from Chicago, caught it himself. Johnny Owens told me in cold, sober tones. I believe him, I do, but if it isn't true, I hope he chokes on the bones.

_The narrator affirms belief in John E. Owens's story while adding a humorous curse if it's false._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_19_se/chapters/john-e-owens
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_19_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_19_se/chapters