"By Phone" – A Typed Poem with Handwritten Annotations
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the telephone was a new technology that revolutionized communication. This poem reflects both the romanticism and social constraints of the time, highlighting concerns about privacy and propriety. Lewis H. Latimer, an inventor and poet, was deeply involved in the development of electrical and communication technologies, including work on one of Alexander Graham Bell’s telephone patents (1876), making this poem particularly significant as it connects his literary talents with his engineering background.
The Lewis H. Latimer Papers (1870-1929, 1972) [QPL Subgroup]Latimer Family Papers (1870-1996 ) [QPL Full Collection]
By Phone. (Handwritten note above: "Tele" and "spell out in title") "Hello? Hello? Who may this be?" "Why! don’t you know? Why yes! ’tis she.** No other voice could have that tone; That’s music even through the ’phone. I’d say a thousand things, my dear, If I was sure no one could hear,— A thousand things surpassing sweet, Like your dear self. My heart will beat. Although I know you’re far away, I can’t resist! Just let me say— What’s that? I mustn’t, and you fear?— Well what if anyone should hear? There’s nothing wrong in loving you, And I must—What? You know I do? But don’t you ever dear, forget? That’s why I tell you. What? Don’t fret? No, I’ll not fret, my love!—my sweet! But I must just once more repeat I love you!—and just say that you Are fond of me a little—do! What’s that? Oh, bother!—let them scoff. Well, here’s some kisses; now ring off.