Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, HOW TO WRITE A LETTER, by ELIZABETH TURNER (1755-1846)


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

HOW TO WRITE A LETTER, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Maria intended a letter to write
Last Line: "though silent your tongue, you can speak with your pen."
Subject(s): Letters


MARIA intended a letter to write,
But could not begin (as she thought) to indite;
So went to her mother with pencil and slate,
Containing "Dear Sister," and also a date.

"With nothing to say, my dear girl, do not think
Of wasting your time over paper and ink;
But certainly this is an excellent way,
To try with your slate to find something to say.

"I will give you a rule," said her mother, "my dear,
Just think for a moment your sister is here,
And what would you tell her? consider, and then,
Though silent your tongue, you can speak with your pen."





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