(4) SAID CYRUS POPPUS, "WHAT IF HE SHOULD EVER DROP US?"

ATLAS

Long ago, when Wisdom, dears,

Still was wet behind the ears,

The Greeks believed a mighty god

Held aloft the earth they trod,

Held upon his naked shoulders

Temples, rivers, mountains, boulders,

Held the cities and their folk.

(This job was certainly no joke!}

Said a certain Cyrus Poppus,

"What if he should ever drop us?"

Pondering this potent question,

Worry gave him indigestion.

Templeward to offer candles,

Cyrus flew on flapping sandals.

Kneeling there at pious length

He prayed his god would keep his strength.

Ended is this tale, forthwith,

Since Atlas now is but a myth,

Residing, if you care to look,

Within the pages of a book --

Robeless, shoeless, (also hatless),

Patient, persevering Atlas!

                                                                                                            Leo Harrington