C.D. Warner, et al., comp. The Library of the World’s Best Literature.
An Anthology in Thirty Volumes. 1917.
The Country Letter-Carrier
By Elisabeth, Queen of Roumania (Carmen Sylva) (18431916)
I
The service-berry drips, and the slush is deep and stale;
The clouds hang low and leaden; the evening glow is pale;
The paths gleam like a brooklet, whose bed is all unshaded.
He limps and halts and shivers; his bag holds little mail—
A single wretched letter all crumpled, old, and frail—
He must push on; the village he nears now, lame and jaded.
Had I a letter! Heavens! My boy! Quick, give it here!
He’s coming! Now we’re happy!” Her aged muscles quiver:
“God sent you here. Be seated and warm yourself; come near:
A share of my possessions are yours to keep forever.”
The postman limps no longer, warmed by the woman’s cheer.