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A continuing selection of classic and contemporary poems.

Anticipation

Ellis Parker Butler

I hold her letter as I stand,
  Nor break the seal; no need to guess
What dainty little female hand
  Penned this most delicate address.

The scented seal—I break it not,
  But stand in stormy revery;
I tremble as I wonder what
  She who penned this will say to me.

I wonder what my wife will say
  If so it be she e’er shall know
I only mailed her note today—
  It should have gone two weeks ago!
Online text © 1998-2008 Poetry X. All rights reserved.
From New England Magazine | 1898
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