A poem remembering the pleasure of receiving handwritten, old-fashioned letters in the mail.

Today, in this world of e-mail,
instant messaging, the cell phone,
and the fax, quickness must prevail.
Such speed is all youngsters have known.

Getting a quick response is fine,
but somehow I miss those letters
we used to send. They were a sign
of my youth when folks were writers.

Those letters were more personal,
each with unique handwriting style,
stationery choice optional –
fancy or white -- either worthwhile.

Letters from loved ones were treasures…
lovingly handwritten, bestowed
with lipsticked-kiss seal…true pleasures
worth keeping, bundled, ribbon-bowed.

Their journey might take many days,
as they braved weather and mishaps.
Each day passed in waiting would raise
expectations higher perhaps.

The mail’s delivery was much
anticipated every day,
hope would flourish as we would touch
each letter looking, then…hooray!

Feeling such pure satisfaction
due to an old-fashioned letter
somehow defies explanation.
Today’s e-mail just isn’t better.