# A Patter Song explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Ambrose Bierce.

## What happens

A satirical poem about a conceited and foolish governor who, while showing off his supposed graces, is tossed into the sky by an ancient cow.

## Themes in this chapter

### Political Satire

The entire poem mocks a governor's arrogance and foolishness through exaggerated description and absurd events.

### Hypocrisy and Corruption

The governor's pandering and self-conceit highlight the hypocrisy and corruption in political posturing.

## Character check-ins

### Dear Governor

The cranky, self-conceited governor who is the subject of the satire.

### Waterman

Mentioned as not being the governor's name, implying a contrast.

### Mark Boruck

Referenced for his threat of aiding the governor, which failed to dissuade him.

## Key lines

> There was a cranky Governor— His name it wasn’t Waterman.

There was an irritable governor who was not named Waterman.

_Opens the poem by identifying the subject and distinguishing him from Waterman._

> He conjured up, ad libitum, With postures energetical, One day (this is prophetical) His graces, to exhibit ’em.

He improvised energetic poses one day to show off his supposed virtues.

_Describes the governor's vain attempt to display his graces._

> An ancient cow, perceiving that His powers of agility Transcended her ability (A circumstance for grieving at) Upon her horns engrafted him And to the welkin wafted him.

An old cow, noticing his agility surpassed hers, lifted him onto her horns and tossed him into the sky.

_Climactic absurd event where the cow punishes the governor's vanity._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_se/chapters/a-patter-song
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_se/chapters