The latter hold the honor goes
To their locale. That wasn't
Exactly what the first suppose
They meant: they say it doesn't.
"Philosophy is naught but air,
But Earth Science is solid.
With metaphysics, nothing's there,"
Say Branner's boosters, stolid.
"It's plainly little use," their foes
Proclaim, "to enter talks
With anyone who gladly goes
About and studies rocks."
It's obvious to either side
Its own profession's neatest;
That doubters are devoid of pride,
And probably defeatist.
The question of which library's
Intrinsically outstanding
May not be sorted out with ease:
It's deucedly demanding.
No trait makes either better, though
I'm sure both sides have sought one;
But each still touts its favorite, so
It's great that each one's got one.
Originally published in SUL News Notes, September 30, 1994.
c 1994, 1995 Fleabonnet Press for the author.