Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, BALLADE OF A TRAVELLER'S JINX, by FRANKLIN PIERCE ADAMS


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

BALLADE OF A TRAVELLER'S JINX, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Over the country, from coast to coast
Last Line: Mine is the trunk that goes astray.
Alternate Author Name(s): F. P. A.
Subject(s): Tourists; Travel; Journeys; Trips


OVER the country, from coast to coast,
I've travelled considerable, more or less;
I've been to Canarsie and Painted Post,
I've been to St. Louis and Holderness.
But withersoever I may progress.
With baggage enough for a fortnight's stay,
I find, with a sorrow I can't repress,
Mine is the trunk that goes astray.

I never—no,never!—was one to boast;
Though me the Graces have seemed to bless
With this honour, a greater than comes to most,
I bear it meekly, without duress.
Of other affairs I make no mess;
I'm lucky at every game I play;
Yet, packed with what clothing I may possess,
Mine is the trunk that goes astray.

Others who travel comprise a host
Carrying a million trunks, I guess;
But never the shadow, hint, or ghost
Of a chance one goes to the wrong address.
But my trunk travels the whole U. S.—
Or, as some might put it, the U. S. A.—
You ask me does it miscarry? YES!
Mine is the trunk that goes astray.

L'ENVOI

Prince, it worries me, I confess,
Every time that I go away.
And this is my major and one distress:
Mine is the trunk that goes astray.





Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!


Other Poems of Interest...
Home: PoetryExplorer.net