Ode to a Stamp

A window to the world
rests snug against
the corner
of my letter,
carefully positioned,
ready to carry
its message
to wherever it may
be needed.
Gatekeeper
of communiqué—
guardian
of correspondence,
standing at attention
to assure
safe
passage across all
borders.

A flag of freedom,
of history,
pledging its loyalty
to any who
employ
its use,
the conscientious
cavalier
carries its sealed
consort
without prejudice,
without bound.

Icon of truth,
emblem of relations,
it is you that tightens
the gap of the
vastness
of our world. You,
harbinger
of love, agent of good news;
herald
of request and regret,
you are liaison to
life-and-life, you have the
power to join us from
across seas
and plains,
through weather and
war—
where no one man
can carry on,
you protect the living
word.