Hofstadter’s Law

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A modern fable in verse. Wise Monkey Wrought scroll N.015, "Hofstadter's Law." The shelf was a two hour job. Hofstadter's Law states it takes longer than expected, even when the law is taken into account. The shelf had read the law. The shelf was scheduled for the wall, two hours, generously assessed, with time for tea, and one close call, and Sunday lunch around the rest. The first hour went on hunting screws. They lived, in theory, in the shed. The second hour brought fresher news. The drill was charging. Tea instead. By dusk the holes were drilled, all six, five where the pencil marks had been. The schedule, padded for the tricks, was beaten by the tricks within. The law had been allowed for, twice, with margins generous and wide. The margins, following advice, took longer too. The law applied. The shelf took two hours, as planned. The two hours took five days.