“Undelivered Mail”
by Rhina P. Espaillat from Playing at Stillness
Dear Daughter,
Your father and I wish to commend you
on the wisdom of your choices
and the flawless conduct of your life
Dear Poet!
Where is the full-length manuscript
you promised us? Your check is waiting
The presses are ready
and the bookstores are clamoring for delivery
Darling,
This convention is tedious
beyond belief: the hotel is swarming
with disgustingly overexposed women
far too young to have dignity
or any minds at all
Dear Patient:
The results of your blood tests reveal
that your problem stems from
a diet dangerously low
in pizza and chocolate
Dear Mom,
You were right about everything
and I was an idiot not to listen
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