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1885–1928

THE CROOKED STICK

Elinor Wylie

First Traveler: What's that lying in the dust? Second Traveler: A crooked stick. First Traveler: What's it worth, if you can trust To arithmetic?

Second Traveler: Is n't this a riddle? First Traveler: No, a trick. Second Traveler: It's worthless. Leave it where it lies. First Traveler: Wait; count ten;

Rub a little dust upon your eyes; Now, look again. Second Traveler: Well, and what the devil is it, then? First Traveler: It's the sort of crooked stick that shepherds know.

Second Traveler: Some one's loss! First Traveler: Bend it, and you make of it a bow. Break it, a cross. Second Traveler: But it's all grown over with moss!

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THE CROOKED STICK · Elinor Wylie · Poetry Cove