Block 65

Letters. . . 

those almost extinct

things that arrive through

the good old

US Mail.

Not quick email

that can be deleted

with the touch of a button.

I'm talking 

about letters.

Those envelopes

that include

multiple sheets

of handwritten words.

I always liked

receiving letters from people

and the thrill is

still the same.

 

Go to the mailbox,

rummage through the mail

and 

lo and behold

there is an envelope

hand addressed to me

with a return address I know.

 

The excitement has started . . .

where should I set down

to read it?

Should I go inside

or stay outside 

on the swing?

Should I tear it open

underneath the flap

so it is still whole?

How about slitting

the top of the envelope?

Or,

there is always the

possibility

of taking scissors out

and cutting

the enveloped edge?

Whatever version I choose,

I know I will enjoy

whatever is written inside.

there is always news . . 

sometimes good

and sometimes not so good.

But either way,

someone took the time

to sit down,

find writing paper,

chose a pen

and think about 

what they want to say.

(Cross outs are fun.

They let me know 

that the mind

was working faster

than the pen.)

And than,

after the letter is read

I can still hold it in my hands.

I can still see

the familiar
 handwriting.

Sometimes,

the letter will even

smell like the person

or their home.

That always adds

to the experience.

And finally,

I can fold it back up,

replace it in it's envelope

an place it in a drawer

to be read many more times.

Emails,

printed out on

plain white

9"x11" paper

just aren't the same.

Dear Lord,

Who invented papyrus? When did they invent it? How did they invent it? What a great invention . . . .something to write on besides rocks and stones.
 something that was portable. Too bad papyrus hadn't been invented when You gave Moses the 10 Commandments. It sure would have made it easier for him to carry.