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1882–1950

A VISIT FROM ABROAD

James Stephens

A speck went blowing up against the sky As little as a leaf: then it drew near And broadened.— “It's a bird,” said I, And fetched my bow and arrows. It was queer!

It grew up from a speck into a blot, And squattered past a cloud; then it flew down All crumply, and waggled such a lot I thought the thing would fall.— It was a brown

Old carpet where a man was sitting snug Who, when he reached the ground, began to sew A big hole in the middle of the rug, And kept on peeping everywhere to know

Who might be coming — then he gave a twist And flew away.... I fired at him but missed.

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A VISIT FROM ABROAD · James Stephens · Poetry Cove