The Paperboy

I come and I go. No one sees me but the wind. I come and I go. No one hears me but the wind. I'm here and I'm there. No one knows where I am but the wind. I'm there and I'm here. Everyone knows where I am but the wind. In the dark of early morn I place the papers on the mats and no one hears me but the wind. In the dark of early morn I slip away from the houses and no one sees me but the wind. Published in the Mercer Island Reporter June 28, 1966 In the sixth grade and for many years after I had a paper route delivering the Mercer Island Reporter to about 100 people. I got up at 4:30 AM twice a week to do my duties. This poem represents my reflections on slipping unseen from house to house before anyone is awake.