Editor's note: The following ode making the rounds has its origin in canyon country, which makes sense, for that was Ed Abbey's favorite country. Hopefully, in the very, very near future, it will just be a literary part of the government shutdown's history.

'Twas the night before shutdown, and all through the Service,

The rangers and admin were all a bit nervous.

The ‘closed’ signs were ready and plans were well made,

And we wondered if we would continue to be paid.

While Congress debated we all scratched our heads,

Unsure whether we should feel joy or dread.

When out in the parking lot there arose such a clatter,

I sprang from my cubicle to see what was the matter.

There on the asphalt, in a truck old and shabby,

All dusty and boozy…it was the ghost of Ed Abbey!

He threw open the truck door, and offered a beer,

And I knew then and there I had nothing to fear.

I said “Where we off to?”

He roared, “God’s country, son!”

No doubt in my mind, twas time for desert fun.

He revved the engine and slammed it in first,

And laughed and grinned and hollered and cursed.

Then he yelled out the window as he cracked a Bud Light,

“Happy shutdown to ALL, and to ALL a good night!!!”