Chapter 1: The Anticipation of a Letter

After a long day at work, I find myself at home, waiting by the front door. There, on the floor, lies a letter with a familiar stamp—par avion, adorned with white wings. This simple sight lifts my spirits and fills my heart with joy.

As I gaze upon the envelope, edged in red and blue, I recognize the handwriting. It’s you! Overcome with excitement, I rush upstairs, my cheeks wet with tears of happiness. I close my eyes, imagining you right beside me, as I dive into your words, momentarily forgetting the day's troubles.

In this slow-paced love, a week separates our messages, yet we share everything—our lives, our joys, and our struggles. I kiss the letter and carefully tuck it away, eager to pen my response the very next day. With my airmail pad open, I pour out my thoughts, grounding myself through writing, even as loneliness occasionally swirls around me.

We promised to write each other weekly, patiently waiting for replies to refine our messages. It’s not always easy to follow this rhythm, but every now and then, we indulge in long-distance calls, each voice bringing tears of joy. Our cherished moments together feel even more precious.

Reflecting on the contrast between then and now, I realize that I no longer need to rely on pen and paper. Instant connections are now just a click away, eliminating the dread of longing and heartache. Yet, I find myself nostalgic for the days of waiting, where each letter brought excitement and anticipation, even if the news was a bit outdated.

This poem reflects on the time my husband and I spent apart for six months—me in England and him in South Africa. Back then, we used two distinct writing pads: one for local notes and another for international correspondence.

Indeed, we consumed a fair number of trees with our letters and envelopes! The thrill of receiving a handwritten note can never be matched by emails, which lack the tactile and sensory experiences of traditional letters. The scent of paper and the feel of ink evoke memories that a screen simply cannot replicate.

I cherish a small collection of letters from the past, holding onto their energy, even as those who wrote them may have long departed.

Thank you for joining me on this journey. This piece is my contribution to the second week of October’s Lifeline poetry prompt, “Tracing Love’s Journey from Past to Present.” A special thank you to Sahil Patel for the continuous inspiration.

Chapter 2: The Digital Shift

In "Joe Nichols - I'll Wait For You," we see the enduring power of love, transcending time and distance. The song beautifully illustrates the theme of patience in love, echoing the sentiments expressed in my poem.

"If You Get There Before I Do - Collin Raye" further explores themes of longing and connection. The lyrics remind us of the emotional depth and vulnerability that accompany love across distances, resonating deeply with the experiences shared here.