The ancients knew that Egypt was a treasure house of grain
And plundered it or bought it for their hungry stomach’s gain.
It also housed the Library in all the world the best,
Which burned completely when great Caesar beat upon his breast.
Mostafa el-Abbadi spent his life to resurrect
This place where scholars could recline and safely genuflect.
Snohetta built it for him, at a cost to make jaws drop,
But it was rather careless and included a gift shop.
Yet when the heads of state assembled to rededicate
This temple of pure knowledge it was Abbadi’s mournful fate
Not to be invited, but be snubbed by politicians
Who did not take too kindly to his noble admonitions.
A scholar may move mountains to bring wisdom once again
But he should not expect the lauds of petty, venal men. 
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