Introduction

This poem was first published in my book, "CANDLES" in 1994. I self-published the book of 24 poems specifically to raise funds for the rescue helicopter in our area. I published 1000 copies, but only about 400 sold at $6.50 per copy, which still raised over $1200 for the service. If I could round up the rest, maybe I could raise some more money for them!

Hankies

Hankies are revolting!
There - I've said it and it's fact!
To blow your nose and pocket it
Is not a genteel act.

I know before came tissues,
There was not a wondrous choice -
But the rich ones had their hankies
And the poor ones' sleeves were moist.

If they were so poor they had no sleeves,
Then other means were found.
But they didn't use a tissue,
They just blew it on the ground.

As time went on the trees were felled,
The tissue box to fill,
And now all noses rich and poor
Own shares in the paper mill.

But when the greenies get their way,
And milling's had its lot,
We'll walk the Earth and wonder -
Is that fresh dew? No, it'snot!

Copyright; Madeleine Steinhardt
Email: steinhardt56@hotmail.com