Poem for today (found on Garrison Keillor's wonderful site,
www.writersalmanac.publicradio.org )

Poem: "Undelivered Mail" by Rhina P. Espaillat
from Playing at Stillness. © Truman State University Press.

Undelivered Mail

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.