O building tall that houseth books
And learning over-flowing,
Where in and out your crannied nooks
Are students ever going,
Though three-year cracks run through your stacks,
And funds are withheld by plutocrat hacks,
We love you the same, whatever your lacks,
As long as you employ us.
Though Navies cut costs indirect,
And subcommittees smite you,
Your politics are too correct
To please the foes that bite you;
Though they've killed Meyer; the hills are on fire;
Though the rate of reshelving is dire;
Though two whole years they've frozen our hire;
These matters but annoy us.
For we are those who know it all
(Except how to find money),
And though our leaders blow it all,
And Congress thinks it funny,
Our whole darn crew, librarians true,
Will stick it all out (until we're too few);
For learning to culture provides the glue!
(Our role we do enjoy, us.)
So buck up, Green! Buck up, branches!
Our status, it's true, is grim,
But we'll beat those bad finances,
Though close to the bone they trim;
And stay of good cheer though danger be near:
There's nothing to worry about but fear
(Except maybe losing our jobs, we hear).
Our mission will buoy us.
Originally published in SUL News Notes, August 7, 1992.
c 1992, 1995 Fleabonnet Press for the author.