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Home  »  Poetry: A Magazine of Verse  »  John R. C. Peyton

Harriet Monroe, ed. (1860–1936). The New Poetry: An Anthology. 1917.

The Censor

John R. C. Peyton

THE CENSOR growled to see so many letters:

He lit his pipe and read them hastily.

One said: “Dear pal, you ought to see me now.

This France is some swell place, I’m telling you!

The wine is great—and oh, the women, boy!….”

Another said: “Dear sister, pray for me.

This is a cruel war—but God is good.

My bunkie’s gone—went West last week, poor chap…..

Dear sister, pray for me. Good-night. Good-bye.”

Another said: “Well, wife, how are you now?—

And how’s the boy? I dreamt about you both

Last night. Don’t worry, dear, I’ll soon be home

And now good night. These stars are kisses, dear.****”

The Censor yawned. He was so tired of letters.