johnr (06/18/82)
I have been viewing with interest the discussion on program documentation. I recommend the following poem to all who are concerned, especially the last four lines. (I also thought the LISP people might like it.) THE LESSON by John Ciardi Of all the fleas that ever flew (And flying fleas are rather few ((Because for proper flying you (((Whether you are a flea or not))) Need wings and things fleas have not got)) )-- (I make the further point that fleas Are thick as these parentheses ((An illustration (((you'll agree))) Both apt and pleasing to the flea)) )-- Now then where were we? Let me see-- Ah, yes-- We said to fly you ought (whether you are a flea or not) To have some wings (Yes at least two ((At least no less than two will do (((And fleas have something less than one ((((One less, in fact (((((Or frankly, none ((((((Which, as once more you will agree)))))) Limits the flying of the flea))))) )))) ))) )) ). And let me add that fleas that fly Are known as flears. (You can see why.) All I have said thus far is true (If it's not clear, that's up to you. ((You'll have to learn some time my dear, That what is true may not be clear (((While what is clear may not be true ((((And you'll be wiser when you do.)))) ))) )) ). Found in the June 1980 CRICKET Magazine and submitted without further comment by: John Rutis, MDP Technical Publications, TEKTRONIX