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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

A SICK CHILD by RANDALL JARRELL

Poem Explanation Poet Analysis

First Line: POSTMAN COMES WHEN I AM STILL IN BED, THE
Last Line: All that I've never thought of - think of me!
Subject(s): SICKNESS; IMAGINATION; CHILDREN; ILLNESS; FANCY; CHILDHOOD;
The postman comes when I am still in bed.
Postman, what do you have for me today?
I say to him. (But really I'm in bed.)
Then he says; what shall I have him say?

This letter says that you are president
Of; this word here; it's a republic."
Tell them I can't answer right away.
It's your duty. No, I'd rather just be sick.

Then he tells me there are letters saying everything
That I can think of that I want for them to say.
I say, "Well, thank you very much. Good-bye."
He is ashamed, and turns and walks away.



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