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U.S. Parcel Post Service was introduced on January 1, 1913. At least two children, with stamps attached to their clothing,
were sent via the new service; the children rode with railway and city carriers to their final destination.
A new regulation was soon passed, forbidding the “mailing” of children.
The letter carrier leans just a little,
slightly to the right. He leans
balancing the weight of the mailbag,
its strap over his left shoulder.
A toddler stares from the canvas pouch,
moonfaced, his cheeks little apples.
He stares, wondering mutely, Is this how it is to be?
Handed over from one giant to another to another?
The cap on his head is already too small
but the world is big, full of big people
who place a cap on your head, and hand you over.
Over to the next person, the next thing.
Even today, a hundred years later, it’s easy to feel that way.
Life has a way of packing you up, handing you over,
the cap on your head a little too small.
Nothing to be done about it.
© by Ginny Lowe Connors.
Used here with the author’s permission.
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Ginny Lowe Connors is a retired English teacher and the author of four full-length poetry collections and a chapbook, Under the Porch, which won the Sunken Garden Poetry Prize. She runs a small poetry press, Grayson Books, and is co-editor of Connecticut River Review. Ginny has also edited a number of poetry anthologies, including Forgotten Women: A Tribute in Poetry. Learn more about her at www.ginnyloweconnors.com.
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Wilda Morris:
Poignant!
Posted 01/02/2024 11:24 AM
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Jancan:
Incredible true story~~well told, very moving.
Posted 01/01/2024 11:17 PM
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Lori Levy:
Unbelievable that children used to be "mailed." Powerful poem.
Posted 01/01/2024 07:51 PM
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Denise:
This revelation shows the cruelty of people toward children - the little, the innocent still suffering today in a myriad of ways. I hope Ginny there will always be something that can be done about it. May the New Year bring about such needed changes.
Posted 01/01/2024 01:03 PM
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cork:
An epiphany.
Posted 01/01/2024 11:45 AM
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Sharon Waller Knutson:
I love this powerful poignant poem because the story and description are unique and make me feel sad, angry and outraged. In a few short words, the poet becomes a wise philosopher and historian and reminds us to show humanity. The last stanza says it all.
Posted 01/01/2024 11:22 AM
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michael escoubas:
I never knew this occurred or could occur in our country. Norma's comment below resonates.
Posted 01/01/2024 10:11 AM
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NormaB:
Speaks to how we treat our elderly these days. May the new year increase our compassion.
Posted 01/01/2024 09:30 AM
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paula:
Goodness! Who knew?
Posted 01/01/2024 06:16 AM
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