THE LETTERBOX

LETTER BOX

 

Weeks of long yawns, groans, sobs

No posts across a vast sea

My skin clammy, chilled

Hair oily, unkempt

No purpose to freshen up

Alone and tense for news

The letter box befits an empty soul

Lost in a vacuous abyss

I am akin with such colorless matters

 

I should seek a vocation

Anything to boost my doldrums

Doubtless I take up knitting

Imagine an amethyst blue sweater

To tally with his transparent blue eyes

Oh, if only I could gaze into those expressive peepers

At this notable moment, but only in dreams

 

Each day I hasten to the letter box with disquiet

Gingerly open only to find naught from abroad

Goblets of salty tears dribble down my cheeks

I gaze into the mirror, repelled by my aspect

 

Is he alive?

Of course

Perchance he is off the beaten path

Where there is no letterbox

I ought to whimper myself to sleep

To pass over my low spirits

As my posts to him need not be

Miserable, only strong yet tender

 

 

 

 

 

Author's Note

Thank you for reading! A poem in the series from The Bridges End

Reviews

[Aura]

A beautiful poem Betty. I got two interpretations from this piece.

1. This poem takes place during a time of war and a soldier's loved ones are looking for a note from him to assure them that he is still alive, that he is not a casualty of war. The empty box serves as a symbol for the horrors and sadness that many people face from not hearing from those who had to serve in the army.

2. I also thought about someone who has run away from home. Their families wait for a note, something to show that they are alive, and thinking of them. Sometimes people may run from home not because they want to, but because the environment they live in is not safe. They might communicate with their family through mail. Just a thought!

I found this piece to be heartfelt, and from both of my interpretations, the poem is clearly about the longing, sadness and desperation one feels when they do not hear from the ones they love for an unspecified amount of time. Thank you for sharing, I enjoyed reading!

[Betty Hermelee]

A wonderful review, an appreciate your two interpretations, and they are both spot on…..thank you so much!
Best, B

[Aura]

you are most welcome!

[Melinda McQueen]

Everyone needs hope.
Expressive write.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you for a kind review!
Best, Betty

[Sami Khalil]

"To tally with his transparent blue eyes

Oh, if only I could gaze into those expressive peepers

At this notable moment, but only in dreams"

[Betty Hermelee]

A wonderful review Sam, thank you kindly
Best, B

[Sami Khalil]

You are welcome Miss B.

[Sami Khalil]

"Each day I hasten to the letter box with disquiet

Gingerly open only to find naught from abroad"

[Betty Hermelee]

Thanks so much Sam!!

[Sami Khalil]

You are welcome Miss B.

[Sami Khalil]

I feel for you and your long-awaited beloved. I do hope you get something in it soon to lift up your tender spirit. Very powerful poem with powerful emotions.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you Sam, much appreciated!
Best, B

[Lorry]

Well wow, which came as a surprise to me, that on a clear and crisp Monday morn, I should be looking at my letterbox with a new found respect.
Perhaps it is all the unasked for and instantly binned mailsort that has dulled my senses, but I have a feeling that I will be doing job one on my to do list today, of treating that letterbox to a brasso sheen, in respect for those moments it brings the touch of anothers soul to me.
It'll gleam so much, the postie will have to wear shades 😊
Nice one Betty.

[Betty Hermelee]

Lorry, I love your review, very touching and honest...much appreciated.
Best, B

[Kelly Scheppers]

This reminded me of the days when I wrote to a sergeant in Vietnam. While his world was ever turning, mine seemed to drag on endlessly till the next letter came. I felt the yearning, the loneliness, the angst and pain of your love. I must make it a point to read the others in the series.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank for a very thoughtful review Kelly, much appreciated!
Best, B

[Ladysue]

Betty, Your poem expresses how hard the waiting is to hear from a loved one. I can’t imagine having a loved one called for duty. It has to be incredibly difficult. I Hope you hear soon.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thanks you L/S for a lovely review...actually this is fiction but the thoughts just rolled into my head!
Best, B

[John the Baptist]

There is actual pain, and there is ongoing uncertainty. Hard to say which is worse. The speaker here is concerned over not receiving any communication from some special man who is far away. The imagination can easily go on a bender in such situations, with all evil possibilities passing in review before the mind's eye. At times like this, any distraction is welcome.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you dear John for your spot on reviews!
Best, B

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Betty... I felt your disappointment... I could imagine at one time
when you were together... it was full of adventure and laughter.
Where there is Life, there is Hope. tenderly, Pat

[Betty Hermelee]

I believe in hope! This is total fiction, just came to me!
Stay well,
Best, B