I have asked Mr Bernstein,
who is an excellent blesser
to bless you all and say
that in a country where Illiteracy is on the rise
and the economy is sinking low
and Chastity is out the window
it is comforting to know
that though the frost is on the pumpkin
and civilization is on the skids
you guys are ferociously working underground
smuggling books into the hands of kids.

Dr. Seuss (1904-1991) American author, illustrator [pseud. of Theodor Geisel]

“A Rather Short Epic Poem (size 6 and 7/8)” (1988)

Delivered by Robert Bernstein at the 1988 meeting of the American Booksellers Association.