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This poem is taken from PN Review 36, Volume 10 Number 4, March - April 1984.

Svensk Rapsodi Frank Kuppner

44 Comments on a little book of pictures of the same name

1.
Since buying this book more or less for nothing slightly
  over a year ago,
I have lost it at least twice, and twice found it,
(At no time ever having missed its presence),
When I was actually looking for something else.

2.
Inside the front cover was already written,
"To Alison from Barbro; Christmas 1965:
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year" (in Swedish);
Oh my coevals, I too received mail that week.

3.
Inscribed in a youthful hand, a mere two lines,
When I too was a child; but I have grown up,
And have covered their ageing gift with an adult scribble,
While their own hands form their adult scribbles elsewhere.

4.
Had it cost more than peanuts, I would never have bought it;
It is, to be sure, not a particularly good book;
The photographic views are not particularly impressive;
...


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