Sex, Lies, and the Jurist
Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. after retiring
from the Supreme Court at age 91 at a
high school question and answer session…
Warrior, scholar, jurist
Man of letters and distinction
Oldest member of our Supreme Court—
Witty, courageous, and strong
A long life, a worthy life
Deliberative, imaginative, unafraid
Of doing wrong.
Accosted that day
In a most youthful way
By a lad of 16 or so –
At a gathering of peers
And amid many cheers
Said that he needed to know:
“At what age Mr. Justice
Does a man lose his sex drive?”
Laughter ensued and permeated
The brood especially among
The young boys.
The girls sat in silent derision.
With a nod and a smile
Holmes pondered a while
Before rendering his
Thoughtful decision.
Then out of repose
Homes abruptly arose
And looked the lad
Straight in the eye.
With a wave of his hand
In a style oh so grand
Announced his pondering so—
“How should I know
For can’t you see
I’m as virile as virile
Can be? Your answer
Must come from someone—
Anyone—a hell of a
Lot older than me!”
Bookmarks
Share
Print
Save