The Price of a Stamp

The Price of a Stamp

a 13 cent stamp
forced me out into the rainy night,
darkness punctuated by
by flashing red lights,
sirens ripping the silence.

a 13 cent stamp found me
out on the streets at 6 a.m.,
homeless and uncertain,
a small bag in hand.

a 13 cent stamp landed me
an invitation to attend one of the most
prestigious universities in the world,
a chance to leave behind the
darkness of a Chicago alley

a 13 cent stamp lifted from

my father's desk.

I bring ten 42 cent stamps

to my son, who carefully positions one
on each of ten envelopes
requesting admission to many fine
American universities.
he sits where it is warm and well-lit,

in his mother's kitchen.

the price of a stamp has certainly
changed in a generation.

Photo courtesy of http://flickr.com/photos/misha-stack/2673564879/