The noble art of letter writing is something that is old. It used to be a common way that family news was told. The postman’s knock at ten o’clock was a highlight of the day. When hoping for a letter to see what Nana had to say.
She’d talk about her busy week of many household chores. And on a rainy Saturday had cleaned out all the drawers. She’d been checking in on neighbour Bill who had a broken hip, And was looking forward to going on the Garden Club bus trip.
After many years of corresponding my Nan has sadly gone But her love of writing letters has been happily passed on. My mother in her eighties likes to sit with pen and pad, And will compose a weekly letter comprising news both good and bad.
Mum will write about her garden which is colourful and neat. She’ll also tell me who she met when shopping in the street. She’d say how Dad had asked if she might make him scones for tea, My mouth would start to water as I know how good they’d be.
In my reply I’d indicate I’d noted all their news And shared some pearls of wisdom with which I hoped I may amuse. While the cost of stamps keeps rising it doesn’t bother us at all, And no complaints if one can’t read the others hasty scrawl.
I’m glad to say our family way of putting black on white. Has passed the baton on to me as I really love to write. While mobile phones and other tools are great to keep in touch For a page of modern cursive, I will thank you very much.
Trudy Smith