Bib Ballads

<h3><SPAN name="THE_ETERNAL_GREETING" id="THE_ETERNAL_GREETING"></SPAN>THE ETERNAL GREETING</h3> <div class="cpoem1"> <p>What is the welcoming word I hear<br/> When I reach home at the close of day?<br/> "Glad you are with us, daddy, dear?"<br/> Something I'd like to hear you say?<br/> No, it is this, invariably:<br/> "Daddy, what have you got for me?"<br/> <br/> "Deep affection," I might reply;<br/> What would it profit if I did?<br/> I might answer: "The price to buy<br/> Clothes and edibles for you, kid."<br/> You would repeat, insistently:<br/> "Daddy, what have you got for me?"<br/> <br/> Isn't my Self enough for you?<br/> Doesn't my Presence satisfy?<br/> No, that spelling would never do;<br/> You want Presents, a new supply,<br/> When you inquire so eagerly:<br/> "Daddy, what have you got for me?"<br/> <br/> 'Twould be much nicer and cheaper, son,<br/> If I were welcome without a toy,<br/> But as I'm not, I must purchase one<br/> And take my reward from your look of joy<br/> When you open the bundle and cry: "O, see!<br/> See what daddy has got for me!"<br/></p> </div> <div class="figcenter"> <ANTIMG src="images/052.jpg" width-obs="513" height-obs="600" alt="" title="decoration" /></div> <div style="break-after:column;"></div><br />