Cord Byrd: “the distinguished Senator honors me by calling on me to repeat the lines of the poem by Joseph Malins titled ``A Fence…”

“the distinguished Senator honors me by calling on me to repeat the lines of the poem by Joseph Malins titled ``A Fence or an Ambulance.'' I am not sure I am really up to it at this point in the day. I am not sure I can do it on this short notice, but I will certainly try. It will not be the first time I have failed on a poem. Occasionally I do fail. Let me think for a minute. Perhaps I could do that. ``Twas a dangerous cliff, as they freely confessed, Though to walk near its crest was so pleasant; But over its terrible edge there had slipped A duke and fall many a peasant. So the people said something would have to be done, But their projects did not at all tally; Some said, ``Put a fence around the edge of the cliff,'' Some, ``An ambulance down in the valley.'' But the cry for the ambulance carried the day, For it spread through the neighboring city; A fence may be useful or not, it is true, But each heart became brimful of pity For those who slipped over that dangerous cliff; And the dwellers in highway and alley Gave pounds or gave pence, not to put up a fence, But an ambulance down in the valley.…”