About the Poem
- Title: Be The Best
- Poet: Douglas Malloch
- Theme: Self-acceptance, Hard work, and Doing one’s best
- Message: No matter how big or small a role you have in life, always give your best effort.
Summary of the Poem
- The poem teaches us that everyone has a different role in life, and we should focus on doing our best in whatever position we are in.
- The poet gives various comparisons between big and small things to explain that every role is important:
- A pine tree is tall and strong, but a scrub in the valley is also useful.
- A muskie fish is large, but a bass fish is also valuable.
- A captain leads the ship, but the crew members are equally necessary.
- A highway is wide and grand, but a trail also serves an important purpose.
- A sun is bright, but a star also shines in the sky.
- The poet encourages us to focus on our own strengths instead of comparing ourselves to others.
Poetic Devices Used
- Rhyming Scheme: The poem follows the a-b-c-b rhyming pattern.
- Repetition: The phrase “If you can’t be…” is repeated for emphasis.
- Imagery: The poet uses nature-related comparisons (trees, fish, roads, celestial bodies) to explain the theme.
- Metaphor: The poet metaphorically compares human roles with nature to highlight the importance of every role.
Important Lines from the Poem & Meaning
| Line from the Poem | Meaning |
|---|---|
| “If you can’t be a pine, be a scrub” | If you can’t achieve something big, be happy with what you have and do your best. |
| “It isn’t by size that you win or fail” | Success is not determined by how big or small you are but by how well you do your work. |
| “Be the best of whatever you are!” | No matter what your role is in life, give your best effort. |
Moral of the Poem
- Everyone is unique and important.
- We should not compare ourselves with others.
- We must do our best in every situation.
- Success is not about size or position but about effort and dedication.
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