No one can remember when it began
and early records have been lost.
Inside the colossal warehouse
a headache-inducing noise level
comes from constant fights and screeching.
The smell is overpowering and
despite an army of animal tenders,
food and excrement frequently
clog typewriters.
The monkeys shred papers for amusement,
and the humans who read what gets written
(civil servants all)
have higher-than-average suicide rates.
Although psychologists,
long involved in the project,
say the chance of success
is better than ever,
and the project might computerize
after union talks,
the financial committment is immense
and reading the best of the work,
one is not encouraged.
They haven't touched Danielle Steel,
let alone Shakespeare.
© 2002 Mark Giffin