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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


LINES TO A SWEDISH MATCH by ANONYMOUS

First Line: "SPIRIT OF LIGHT, FAINT-HEARTED"
Last Line: NEWER JAPAN GROWN MODEST
Subject(s): MATCHMAKING & MATCHMAKERS;

[Made in Nippon.]

Spirit of light, faint-hearted,
Losing your sickly glare
Almost before it's started,
In the first rush of air;
Or, if no wind is stirring,
Still to your ways recurring.

Boxes of you I've ravished,
Trying to light a pipe.
Language on you I've lavished,
Some of it overripe,
Yet you don't heed my scratches,
Will-o'-the-wisp of matches.

Strewn in my wake is lumber
Ample to build a barn,
Unlighted sticks in number
Into the millions. Darn
All the sad works of nations
Dealing in imitations.

"Made in Nippon," obscurely,
Coyly your label states.
"Tandstickor Swenska," surely,
Boldly the print relates.
That is what strikes me oddest --
Newer Japan grown modest.



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