Short-lived Love Affair "I AM A GAY BALLOON" it said In proud letters on its chest (or back or side -- with balloons it's hard to tell which side's what) As it watched the parade from the top of its string -- Best seat in the house. But later that evening it looked anything BUT gay, Listlessly moping around the apartment Barely able to lift its string clear of the floor As its helium quietly sneaked out. Sinking fast, it probably wouldn't survive the night And the cats, claws ready, were waiting. Hardly a fitting end. So I did the only proper thing: I took it outside, Untied the string, And gave it its freedom. Thomas G. Digby written 0335 hr 10/11/79 typed 0335 hr 8/09/80 entered 1625 hr 4/11/92