I enjoy rereading
letters from
Pliny the Younger,
the Apostle Paul,
Robert Browning and Elizabeth Barrett,
Mark Twain,
Martin Luther King,
and my great-great-grandparents.
I am not embarrassed about
being a benign interloper,
curious and distant
officious yet respectful.
Letters
become public readings
of private lives
as primary sources.
Letters
sent to generations
in their time,
now for generations
though time,
correspond to me.
Letters of
love
hope
passion
peace
fear
remorse.
Letters,
the bookmarks
of times past
revived again by us
who snoop.
Even letters
never opened
never read
leave a message
mystically strong and painful.
What letters
will this generation
leave as a legacy?
Who will carefully
yarn wrap and double bow
text messages?
June 28, 2010 at 12:07 am
Mr. Niece, or perhaps I should address you as Monsignor or Father or Reverend or even as Bishop Niece, however your name should be, I beg forgiveness for juggling it to bits. Your poem strikes a chord! Never have I thought of myself as an interloper or a snoop when reading letters, but alas, it is so! A great twist!
June 29, 2010 at 2:04 pm
Hi grandma C,
Well, you can call me whatever you wish, but, I’m afraid I’m not Mr. Niece. I’m Bishop or Pastor Mike Rinehart, quoting Rick Niece. Buy and read his book “Sideyard Superhero.” I challenge you to read it without crying. It’s excellent!
July 18, 2010 at 7:01 pm
Dear Pastor Mike,
I happened upon your website and my poem, Letters. I really appreciate your sharing it with your audience and promoting my book, The Side-Yard Superhero. I am glad you enjoyed my stories about living in a small town and my friendship with Bernie Jones. The poem, Letters, is one of my favorites because I think it captures the importance of written communication, especially today. I am afraid that we will have no record of so many good correspondences between people, famous or common.
I wish you continued success in your ministry. You are doing important work at a very critical time.
Best wishes,
Rick Niece, Ph.D.
President, University of the Ozarks
Clarksville, Arkansas