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MON FRÈRE RICHARD

(My brother, Dr. Richard A. Long, was given a tribute in Atlanta, Georgia, several years ago. Upon this occasion of his birthday, I repeat the poem I then wrote in French, in recognition of his reputation as a dedicated Francophile. It is followed by my English translation.)
Mon frère Richard
N’est pas bavard—
Selon de lui on dit.

C’est vrai, je suppose,
Parce que sa prose
Toujours parle pour lui.

Je suis ici,
Avec les autres
Qui à Atlanta son venus.

La cause est claire:
D’avoir tous l’air
D’avoir à sa santé bus.

* * *

My brother Richard
Is not a braggart—
Or so some people say.

It’s true, I suppose,
Because his prose
Says what he has to say.

So, here I am,
With all the rest
Who have to Atlanta come.

The cause is clear:
For all to appear
To have to his good health drunk.