Cliffhanger

I write on Sunday -- we publish Tuesday, so that I may not say anything has happened from Sunday to Tuesday that by twist of fate or change of mind and expect my credibility to last very long.

One refers, of course, to the mess our Congress has made. Its failure to (thus far) establish a debt ceiling has evoked epithets containing words such as "intransigent" and "disgusting" and they are not far off the mark, as I see it. Would that I could rejoice in declaring that my country will avoid the shame of defaulting on its monetary obligations to pay its bills.

Some cliffhanger, no?

Sonnet to Jennifer

By Maynard Lee Sisler

With pride and beauty you go strolling by

Bringing candy to this ever-grateful eye.

I'm thrilled beyond the power of words

Your charm and style and attitude afford.

For loveliness with quiet stately grace

May combine to bring a smile upon your face.

Having come to know you -- a bright page

In this life from bright boyhood to sage.

Most of all I hold in high respect

Your rare "Summa Cum Laudi" intellect

Added to your enchanting turn of heart

Making you a teacher - and a work of art.

Happy birthday, charming niece today

So happy you will never go away!