Lines 1-4

The first words of "The Greatest Grandeur" imply a discussion that has already been taking place: the subject of the discussion is only referred to as "it," and readers are disoriented until they realize that the poem is already in the process of identifying the "greatest grandeur" referred to in the title. Rogers opens the poem with the image of a goanna, which is another name for the sand monitor. This lizard, which resembles an iguana, stands on its hind legs when defending itself, presenting the odd sight of its long slim body and short legs, which are made for scurrying along the ground, though it is at times propped up in a vertical pose. The idea that such a homely creature or its awkward motion could be seen as the greatest thing in existence is unlikely. Still, the third and fourth lines of the poem...