Well William, since I wrote you long ago-- <br />As I recall, one cool October morning-- <br />(I have The Tribune files. They clearly show <br />I gave you warning). <br /> <br />Since when I penned that consequential ode, <br />The world has seen a vast amount of slaughter, <br />And under many a Gallic bridge has flowed <br />A lot of water. <br /> <br />I said when your people ceased to strafe, <br />That when you'd put an end to all this war stuff, <br />And all the world was reasonably safe <br />I'd write some more stuff. <br /> <br />That when you missed the quip and wanton wile <br />And learned you couldn't bear a Towerless season, <br />I quote, "O, I shall not be petty. . . . I'll <br />Listen to reason." <br /> <br />Labuntur anni, not to say Eheu <br />Fugaces! William, by my shoulders glistening! <br />I have the final laugh, for it was you <br />Who did the listening.<br /><br />Franklin P. Adams<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/to-w-hohenzollern-on-resuming-the-conning-tower/
