Who Is Kater Anyhow?

By Banjo Paterson (Andrew Barton)

Clerihew
Why, oh why was Kater lifted From the darkness, where he drifted All unknown, and raised to honour, Side by side with Dick O'connor, In the Council, free from row? Who is Kater, anyhow? Did he lend our armies rally, Like the recent Billy Dalley? Did he lend a Premier money, Like - (No libels here, my sonny. Ed. B.) Was he, like John Davies, found Very useful underground? Not at all! his claim to glory Rests on quite another story. All obscure he might have tarried, But he managed to get married And (to cut the matter shorter) Married William Forster's daughter. So, when Henry Edward Kater Goes to answer his creator, Will the angel at the wicket Say, on reading Kater's ticket "Enter! for you're no impostor, Son-in-law of Billy Foster!"

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem is a sharp social commentary, employing the use of satire and humor to underscore its critical perspective on societal hierarchies and the notion of unearned privilege. The central figure, Kater, is questioned for his rise to prominence, with the poet implying that this was not due to merit or contribution, but rather his marital connection to power.

The poem's structure is consistent, with a regular rhyme scheme that lends itself to a rhythmic, almost song-like reading. This, along with the use of colloquial language, gives the poem an approachable, conversational tone, despite its critical underpinnings. The poet effectively uses irony, particularly in the last stanza, where the 'angel at the wicket' is depicted as being duped by Kater's 'ticket' of lineage, thus ridiculing the idea that familial connections should grant one a rightful place in the societal hierarchy. This cleverly highlights the poem's central theme of questioning the validity and fairness of social elevation based on personal relationships rather than merit.

Understanding Clerihew

A clerihew is a short, humorous biographical poem of four lines. Invented by Edmund Clerihew Bentley, it gently pokes fun at a real (or fictional) person, usually with deliberately lopsided rhyme and rhythm for comic effect.

Common features and guidance:

  • Four Lines: Always a quatrain—compact and punchy.
  • Rhyme Scheme: Strict A A B B. Rhymes may be playful, even forced, to heighten humor.
  • Opening Line = Name: The first line typically contains the subject’s full name (or a clear identifier).
  • Loose Meter: No fixed syllable count; the uneven rhythm is part of the joke.
  • Tone & Aim: Light, witty, and surprising—end with a twist, quirk, or affectionate jab.
  • Subject Choice: Famous figures are common, but friends, characters, or historical curios also work.
  • Style Tips: Use enjambment for comic timing; let the rhyme drive an unexpected image or fact.
  • Etiquette: Keep it good-natured; the joke should land without meanness.

The clerihew thrives on name-first setup, crooked rhymes, and a punchy reveal—biography served with a wink.