Le retour de l'enfant prodigue

You were gone for a bit, then returned

They had you in white; you gave in

For a bit... And the shop stayed open

And the usual crowd was here,

But something was very wrong somewhere:

There were still some books--not many,

But some--the solum scriptores

Was still on the door, but not sustained.

The pictures were still on the wall... But then

Where was that mens sana

In voce terribile? The crude

Scientists lingered a while to browse...

And why not? No one was rude

To them any more. Gordon, the ol' shop

Jest ain't what she should be when you're not here.

Old bombat, terrifier, we know your worth;

Wracker of cities, Gordon, We're glad you're here. Andrew Wylie   February 11, 1967