The Postcard

Friendless, he despatched a letter to the twelfth century.  Illuminated scrolls arrived by return post.  Jottings to Tutankahmen secured hieroglyphics on papyrus; Hannibal sent a campaign report.  But when he addressed the future, hoping for cassettes crammed with wonders, a postcard drifted back with scorched edges.  It glowed all night.