I finally get published, whereupon I get a call
That says my poem contained a word it should not have at all.
My teeth are clenched in anger now. Oh how could they misspell
A single precious word of mine? I thought I did so well.
I proofread the entire poem, correcting every word
And sent it back, to no avail, for now it looks absurd.
Exactly what did they spell wrong? Well, down there on line eight
Instead of "they", they printed "then". This sort of thing I hate!
Now everyone who reads my poem will think I've lost my mind
Or that I don't know how to spell, and other things unkind.
The editor does not assume responsibility
For errors typographical, instead it falls to me.
And so, beginning poet, learn from what I have to tell
Lest something like this ever happen to your poem as well.
Don't take yourself too serious when you appear in print
Or you'll become delirious if ever there's a hint
Of errors typographical in your expensive book.
Besides, it's only you who'll likely know just where to look.

3/01