# Wm. H. Rankin explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Ring Lardner.

## What happens

A brief, humorous tribute to Wm. H. Rankin, an advertising expert who moved from New Albany to Chicago, celebrated for his success in leading war drives.

## Themes in this chapter

### Humor and Satire

The poem uses playful rhyme and colloquial address ('old hoss') to celebrate Rankin's move and achievements.

### Community and Companionship

The verse reflects community pride and gratitude for Rankin's contributions to war drives.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown Narrator

The narrator offers a lighthearted farewell and welcome to Rankin.

## Key lines

> Our gain is New Albany’s loss, But we’re glad that you moved here, old hoss, And Samuel’s still thankin’ you, Hoosier Bill Rankin⁠—you Sure put those war drives across!

Chicago benefits from your move, even though New Albany loses you. We're happy you came, and Samuel is still grateful—you really succeeded in organizing those war drives.

_The narrator expresses gratitude and admiration for Rankin's effectiveness in leading war bond campaigns._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_19_se/chapters/wm-h-rankin
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_19_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_19_se/chapters