Beers and Laughter

"students of fish behavior and evolution certainly have their disagreements . . . but they typically remain amicable, and debates are often carried out among beers and laughter."



Oh, if only, if only

Academia could be

Absurdly convivial,

Absurdly relaxed, carried

Out among beers and laughter.

The greatest academics

I knew, scientists, poets,



Geniuses uninterested

In business or leadership

Or literary theory,

Could drain a fifth of whiskey

Or a pitcher of cheap Bud,

But were rarely contented

And laughed at their own expense.