Brian's Journal - Appendix Return to Journal

Christmas poem for his grandchildren by John Pepper, December 25, 1991 (lightly edited)
The parents of today's young kids
are losing sleep 'tis said;
unless economists tell fibs,
they're tossing in their beds.
Mom and dad must determine how
their dough can cover all
the costs that colleges' endow-
ments short of meeting fall.
To pay for Silas, Daniel and
a quartet soon to follow:
Kirsten, David, Bridget, Rowan
will make our wallets hollow.
Those costs which all have now agreed
will be so very high
that if all are going to be degree'd,
incomes must meet the sky
unless alternatives be found,
like lotteries for some,
but other means do not abound -
our brains seem almost numb.
But look! Let's not be too depressed.
Solutions can be found.
With growth our country's always blessed.
As seedlings in the ground
o'er years as children do mature
become great trees so sound,
a share of business should endure;
its value should compound.
So John and mom do now present
to grandchildren all six,
the seeds to fund that great event
called college - and worries fix.

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