Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


WHAT TITLE? by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY

Poet Analysis

First Line: WHAT TITLE BEST BEFITS THE MAN
Last Line: THE HIGHEST, NOBLEST NAME -- THE MAN.
Subject(s): AMERICANS; LEADERSHIP; LIFE; NATIONS; PATRIOTISM;

WHAT title best befits the man
We hold our first American?
Or Statesman; Soldier; Hero; Chief,
Whose Country is his first belief:
Or sanest, safest Leader; or
True Patriot; or Orator,
Heard still at Inspiration's height,
Because he speaks for truth and right;
Or shall his people be content
With Our Republic's President,
Or trust his ringing worth to live
In song as Chief Executive?
Nay -- his the simplest name -- though set
Upon him like a coronet, --
God names our first American
The highest, noblest name -- The MAN.



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