Theodore Roosevelt next won the Prize,
Though many found this near a crime.
The first ‘statesman’ to win, he was, in many’s eyes,
“The most warlike citizen.” (-New York Times)
Born asthmatic, a weakling in New York,
He was tutored and grew strong with sport.
His move West helped prepare him to mount
The “Rough Riders” in Cuba. To recount,
He said, “Speak softly and carry a big stick,”
Which read: police your way in … and theirs out.
When Republicans eventually decided to ‘pick’
Him by running him as VP, what a bout:
Their surprise was complete when the President died
And the young ‘Cowboy’ succeeded to office, untried.
June Edvenson 