I could be very happy, except that I am broke
Dear Harriet Monroe–
Spring is here. –and I could be very happy, except that I am broke. Would you mind paying me now instead of upon publication for those so stunning verses of mine which you have? I am become very, very thin, and have taken to smoking Virginia tobacco.
Wistfully yours,
P.S. I am awfully broke. Would you mind paying me a lot?