PHILIPPE'S DITTY
(delivered at the dinner)
Welcome one and all
to Benjy and Alexia wedding night ball.
The knot has now been tied
and many contenders have sighed.
Tonight is to celebrate the two of you
with much aplomb and ado.
Let me tell you about a few
who don't know what Alexia knew.
The first girl Benjy had
to be rid of her fast, he was glad.
So, at the tender age of four,
he slammed her fingeres in a door.
Still, by the age of ten,
he was the darling of all women.
There were others who came and went
until finally Alexia from heaven was sent.
Then, Benjy said to me,
"Please try to remember her name ... just for me."
Now, the two of you start your life
as proper husband and wife.
May your entrepreneurial drive
bring little Benjys and Alexias alive.
May they all know what is a Noetherian ring
and also keep in pitch when they sing.
May the kindness that the two of you exude
always flow as freely as Alaskan crude.
May your mediational skills
put an end to all family ills.
Benjy, your skills at orchestration
are only matched by those of oration.
As you conduct and direct with much elan,
I am giving you this 18th century baton.
Alexia, we are all glad Benjy has you
to hold in moments fair and blue.
May you sleep soundly and well together,
tonight and forever.