Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


A TWO-CENT STAMP by AMOS RUSSEL WELLS

First Line: MOST POTENTIAL TRAVELLER!
Last Line: JUST A TWO-CENT POSTAGE STAMP!
Subject(s): POSTAL SERVICE; POSTMEN; POST OFFICE; MAIL; MAILMEN;

Most potential traveller!
There you lie with not a stir,
Peacefulest of paper squares,
Quiet, waiting, free from airs!
But a wriggle of my pen
Sends you to the world of men.
Forth you go, equipped to fly
To the far Alaskan sky,
To Samoa's golden strand,
Or to China's mystic land.
Mountains, valleys, rivers, seas,
You will cross with equal ease.
Fair or stormy, hot or cold,
Still a steady way you hold.
Garden, desert, far or near,
On you fare with sturdy cheer.
No refreshment by the way,
Tempted not to turn or stay,
Pausing not to hail or greet
All the myriads you meet,
On one purpose firmly bent, --
Him to find to whom you're sent;
This your only meed and spur,
Faithful little messenger!

Now, Americans, though we
Rather sniff at heraldry,
Here's an emblem fit and fine,
Worthy of a Lincoln's line,
Meet for palace, cot, or camp, --
Just a two-cent postage stamp!



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