I Am a Printer

Thought provoking poem regarding the history and power of the printed page:

I Am a Printer
By Frank Romano

I have been around for 560 years
I invented the Renaissance and caused the Reformation
I have recorded war and peace

My pamphlets and documents created America
I take ideas and information and make them tangible
I print lofty Bibles and lowly forms

I am a printer

I help you promote and inform and entertain
My catalogs and direct mail are a spur to action
Like calling, clicking, or visiting
I communicate your brand and facilitate your marketing

I am a printer

I preserve and protect your most precious memories
My greeting cards say what you feel
My photo books are your families' legacies
Freedom of the press began with me
I am still the reasoned and reliable history of our times

I am a printer

I put ink on paper and plastic and other materials
I produce packages and publications and products
My business is an extension of your business
Print and paper will transcend the digital age
Because print gets attention

Print is not a momentary image on a screen
You feel print in your hand even fleetingly
And that is its power: it moves you without moving

I am a printer

My industry and I care about the environment
I deal with responsible paper and ink suppliers
I recycle and conserve and reduce waste
I am your partner in progress

I am your printer

-Frank Romano

© 2010 Frank Romano. All rights reserved. Your comments are encouraged. You're free to forward this email to friends and colleagues. However, no part of this column may be reprinted without permission from the author.