Novid Shaid, September, 2010

Once there was a man, who yearned to burn a book,

which millions loved; it was their special book,

its verses had some of them completely hooked;

they were delighted by just a momentary look.

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But this man sneered; he confounded their desire,

to read this book, to follow and admire.

He thought it was wicked to even take a look

The proper thing he thought was to burn the book.

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So he ordered many copies new and fine

Some people sent to him and some came from online.

He made a stockpile then everyday he cooked

A raging fire to sizzle all these books.

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Suddenly his face appeared on every media

He even had an entry on Wikipedia!

There was great outcry; many labelled him a schnook!

For his intention to burn this special book.

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When people heard, they ordered him to stop

His friends said, “Don’t listen or you’ll be a flop!

There’s wickedness, there’s violence if you look

The only thing to do is burn the book!”

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Eventually the fateful day arrived

The bonfire ready and their faces full of pride

They gathered round inspecting every book

They couldn’t wait to watch them being cooked.

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They filmed them burning by the multitude

Films of it were uploaded on You Tube.

Frenzied people rioted, and their fists they shook

How dare this man abuse their special book!

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But as the books were perishing in the fire

It sparked off many to search and to inquire.

What’s all this fuss about? Let’s take a look!

Why does this man love to burn this special book?

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And everyday this man prepared his fire

And giggled with his friends, watching those books expire,

More people couldn’t help but take a look,

At the contents of this special burning book.

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And finally when this man was feeling better

He was greeted with thousands of complimentary letters.

Some praised him for the work he undertook

But many thanked him for showing them the book.

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Because now they read it every single day

They loved its poetry, and the message it conveyed.

And now they couldn’t resist taking a look,

Because of the man who loved to burn the book.