Pens that dip into sapphire ink
And draw out lines so elegant,
Words that will not mean the same
In an email, or a text message
Or whatever app we’re using next.
Those crisp, cream envelopes
With paper folded perfectly,
Stamped with wax and finished with
A stamp and popped into a box,
Crimson red, a magic slot to other worlds
Where words are read and smiles are had
Or tears are spilled for broken love.
I always get so sad when I see or hear people not really knowing how to write a proper letter. I once had a younger friend who didn’t even seem to realise you could use the postal service for communication between friends; she seemed utterly shocked when I suggested we keep in touch by post.
I just think the art of letter writing is something that we need to hold onto. There is nothing more special than opening a card or letter with a real handwritten message inside. And this poem is my ode to the skill that is slowly dying out.
Much Love
Rachel xx
Margot Kinberg
There really is something about a hand-written letter, isn’t there, Rachel? I have to confess I’m guilty of switching largely to email and texts. But it’s such a pleasure to get a paper letter. I feel the same way about books. Much as I like my Kindle (and I do – very much!), there is something about picking up a paper book and turning the pages.
clcouch123
I agree with everything you say. I still favor acquiring books of paper, even hardbound.
clcouch123
Your friend’s response to your suggestion of using the post is eye-opening. Sad but eye-opening.
Jennifer Patino
Hand written letters are the best. I’m very happy to have a handful of post penpals still. Great poem!
Greg Dennison
I miss writing letters so much! I spent my young adulthood in that awkward transition period where some friends used email and some didn’t, so I still have tons of letters that were sent to me over the years (some of which I’ve used as source material for DLTDGB). The last person to write me letters regularly was my grandmother, who died in March at age 100 and never owned a computer or cell phone in her life.
Yetismith
I love to get a proper letter.
patientandkindlove
There is something so magical about a letter.