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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


A DEAD LETTER: 2 by HENRY AUSTIN DOBSON

Poet Analysis

First Line: DEAR JOHN (THE LETTER RAN), IT CAN'T, CAN'T BE
Last Line: LOOK IN THIS CORNER, -- MIND YOU FIND IT, JOHN!'
Subject(s): LETTERS; LOVE;

'Dear John (the letter ran), it can't, can't be,
For Father's gone to Chorley Fair with Sam,
And Mother's storing Apples, -- Prue and Me
Up to our Elbows making Damson Jam:
But we shall meet before a Week is gone, --
"'Tis a long Lane that has no turning," John!

'Only till Sunday next, and then you'll wait
Behind the White-Thorn, by the broken Stile --
We can go round and catch them at the Gate,
All to Ourselves, for nearly one long Mile;
Dear Prue won't look, and Father he'll go on,
And Sam's two Eyes are all for Cissy, John!

'John, she's so smart, -- with every Ribbon new,
Flame-coloured Sack, and Crimson Padesoy:
As proud as proud; and has the Vapours too,
Just like My Lady; -- calls poor Sam a Boy,
And vows no Sweetheart's worth the Thinking-on
Till he's past Thirty ... I know better, John!

'My Dear, I don't think that I thought of much
Before we knew each other, I and you;
And now, why, John, your least, least Finger-touch,
Gives me enough to think a Summer through.
See, for I send you Something! There, 'tis gone!
Look in this corner, -- mind you find it, John!'



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