Recursive function not returning value

[Derek Rhodes]

using
Python 2.3.4 (#53, May 25 2004, 21:17:02) [MSC v.1200 32 bit (Intel)] on 
win32

OK, I have a recursive function that should return a list, but doesn't

<start session>

def test(word):
    if type(word) == str:
        print "it's a word"
        test([word])

    if type(word) == list:
        print "The conditional worked, see ->", word
        return word

>>>a = test('foobity')
it's a word
The conditional worked, see -> ['foobity']
>>> print a
None

</end session>

What am I missing?

-derek.