# Wm. J. Healy explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Ring Lardner.

## What happens

A brief, humorous poem about Wm. J. Healy, a trustee of the Sanitary District of Chicago, whose unusual passion for sewers is playfully contrasted with more common hobbies like fishing, motoring, or hunting.

## Themes in this chapter

### Humor and Satire

The chapter uses a limerick form to poke fun at a public official's niche enthusiasm for sewers.

### Work and Profession

Highlights the professional identity of Wm. J. Healy as a Sanitary District trustee and his dedication to his work.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown Narrator

The speaker of the limerick, addressing the reader directly.

## Key lines

> I don’t know what hobby is yours; Whether fishing or motoring tours, Or hunting out West Is what you like best, But this guy is wild about sewers.

I'm not sure what your favorite pastime is—maybe fishing, driving, or hunting in the West—but this man is obsessed with sewers.

_The poem contrasts common hobbies with Healy's singular interest in sewer systems._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_19_se/chapters/wm-j-healy
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_19_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_19_se/chapters