The Parcel

In the year five zillion and two

You’ll receive mail quite overdue.

A yellowed bundle tied with string

Return address says from Beijing.

DO NOT PANIC, don’t say a peep

Surely it is still fast asleep.

Go somewhere private, in the dark

Take this here match and light a spark.

Now heed my words and understand

You must obey just one command:

Stop before you reach the finish,

Or all you’ve gained will diminish.

Now, you ask, “How am I to know

When there is nothing else below?”

When curiosity runs dry,

And wonder is in short supply

Wrap it up just as it arrived,

Be satisfied that you survived.

The last gent met a different fate,

Which explains the late delivery date.