Library Labor
by Brian Kunde
The labor of the library in which we are employed
May sometimes seem a bit deficient in utility,
But if it does, be silent, as we tend to get annoyed
Whenever what we do is likened to futility.

If what you see looks little, it's the fraction of a whole
That's greater than you know, or than may show to one who spies
On any single person's seeming minuscule role:
For those who take a broader view, it shows another guise.

Our efforts build on those of those who labored here before,
Accumulating slowly, like the knowledge we revere,
Correcting and improving any part that might be poor,
Until the total sum's perfection, or it's pretty near.

And if perchance some portion doesn't measure up, don't worry:
The workers who will follow us will fix it -- there's no hurry!

* * * * *

Library Labor

Originally published in
SUL News Notes, Vol. 3, no. 24, Jul. 1, 1994.

1st web edition posted 12/27/1995.
This page last updated 9/20/2013.

Published by Fleabonnet Press.
© 1994-2013 by Brian Kunde.