by Julia Griffin

“‘Phantom Tollbooth’ Author Norton Juster Dies At 91”
—NPR

With all the gratitude that we can muster,
Let’s toll the bell, or booth, for Norton Juster,
The man who showed, as nobody, bar none, did,
How time well spent is constantly refunded.
We learned, through Milo’s captivating caper,
That numbers taste; that clapping looks like paper;
That which is not a witch and words need weighing,
And sayings go, like going without saying.
Think of him now conducting sunny days, as
Amazing but much wiser than King Azaz,
Shining with all of Rhyme’s and Reason’s luster:
The Just shall live; so, surely, shall the Juster.