PSALM
by Lester del Rey
from Fantastic Universe

[23 may 2002—proofed for #bookz]

The AEC is my shepherd; I shall not live.
It maketh me to lie down in radiant pastures; 
it leadeth me beside deathly waters.
It destroyeth my bones; 
it leadeth me in the path of frightfulness, for its name's sake.
Yet, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, 
I will hear no evil; for thou art with me; 
thy bomb and thy SAC, they comfort me.
Thou preparest a fable before me in the presence of mine enemies; 
thou anointest thy words with oil; 
my cup runneth over.
Surely, strontium and fallout shall follow me all the days of my life; 
and I will dwell in the house of the AEC—but hardly forever.