Disclaimer: Those (and they are no doubt legion) who say, "Bar Sira's no Chesterton," are quite strictly correct.


When he wrote his Ballad on Abbreviation,
Great G.K.C. fulfilled a long-felt need,
And showed the many ways in which our nation
Prefers the Polysyllable to speed.

His poem, though, was not quite comprehensive;
He missed one choice example, and I fear
His error may yet prove to be Expensive
(Which is the brisk American for "dear").