Cornhuskers/Palladiums

by Carl Sandburg

PALLADIUMS

In the newspaper office—who are the spooks? Who wears the mythic coat invisible?

Who pussyfoots from desk to desk

with a speaking forefinger?

Who gumshoes amid the copy paper

with a whispering thumb?

Speak softly—the sacred cows may hear. Speak easy—the sacred cows must be fed.