The Days That Werent (1582)

For ten days in October fifteen eighty-two,
Many Catholic states found that time really flew.
Not a single soul died, not a newborn was kissed-
Why? It’s because the days did not exist.

The reason is simple; ask any historian:
Pope Greg had approved what’s now called the Gregorian
Calendar, shedding the slow deviation
Of Caesar’s old system from Earth’s true rotation.

Much of the world (but never the Tzar!)
Followed suit late, getting back up to par.
‘Twas Portugal, Italy, Poland, and Spain
Led the way, bravely pouring these days down the drain.