Civil service jingles and other things

A witty anthology that turns the drudgery of government offices into lively verse, this collection lets the everyday clerk sing his frustrations and triumphs. From a cheeky “Song of the Extra Clerk” that lampoons the invisible hands keeping the bureaucracy humming, to the mock‑epic “Parable of Gastonio,” the pieces combine sharp observation with playful rhyme, offering a glimpse into the humor that sustains a life of paperwork.

The poems are peppered with satirical folklore, such as the fanciful rise and fall of a scribe nicknamed Tripe, whose accidental stumble into a palace feast spurs a tale of ambition and mischief. Each vignette balances clever wordplay with a genuine affection for the civil servant’s world, making the book a light‑hearted companion for anyone who has ever waited in a lobby or filed a form. Listeners will find both a smile and a subtle reminder of the humanity behind the bureaucracy.