Robert L. Hinshaw Poet Rhyme

Rare Indeed!

I received a novel item in the mailbox today.
It wasn't the usual bill or another political survey.
'Twas a letter! A letter, mind you, from a friend of many years!
A hand-written missive so rare that I'll keep it among my souvenirs!

What a pleasure to receive cheery news on the written page,
When e-mail messages that clog my computer are all the rage!
'Twas good to see splendid cursive writing from his fluid pen.
I hadn't received a letter via slo-mail since I don't know when!

The computer is a marvelous contrivance and has so many uses,
But using it for the personal touch, precious intimacy it reduces!
Nowadays, communicating with cell phones and texting is so fast,
That I fear the art of letter writing may become a thing of the past!

I must admit that I find communicating with the computer opportune,
When with family and friends I wish to expeditiously commune.
But when love or sincere condolences I wish to convey,
A letter is more appropriate rather than a computer screen display!

In the not too distant past, I wooed my intended the old fashioned way,
By composing saccharine missives sealed with a kiss almost every day.
I'm not an arbiter of such things but I think it is always in good taste,
To send a letter rather than use the computer to cut, copy and paste!

Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired
(© All Rights Reserved)

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Sara Kendrick June 20, 2010 at 6:25 AM I like this one and the idea behind it...Why did you use the word saccharine in this instantce? I feel confused by its usage...Otherwise great write...They say that in some instances that it is rude to send certain messages by email or cell phone texting...That only a mailed letter will do...Keep the creative pen flowing..Thanks so much for stopping by and reading my work..Sara

Margaret Foster May 31, 2010 at 7:26 PM HI Rob. I think you would get a lot of support for your views here. All I ever get in the mailbox these days are bills and even they want me to use the net. On your question of Scots or Scottish, either is fine, I am Scottish with a Scots tongue. The BIG no no is 'Scotch', that is a drink and only a drink. So do your cringing, as I do, when you hear someone called Scotch. :) :) cheers Margaret

Audrey Haick May 30, 2010 at 4:48 PM I'm glad there're still some of us who prefer hand written letters, Robert! Although J and I have no choice as he doesn't have access to a computer, so we actually write long letters..good souvenirs..enjoyed reading this as usual...Peace, love, Audrey

Andrea Dietrich May 29, 2010 at 7:59 PM RIGHT ON, Robert. I totally agree with this message. I really hate when people send me birthday cards on emails too. I love that my close family members send cards or little gifts thru the mail. I feel the same way about poetry and books. I want to feel the book in my hand and read it in my bed, not do some weird online book reading! I am a letter writer from time to time. I hope it does not become a lost art. LUv, Andrea

Ralph Taylor May 29, 2010 at 5:41 PM Letter writing is an "endangered species"! It's really a lost art. Handwritten letters are so much more personal than EMail. Great write, Bob. Thanks for reading Coffee. I'll look yours up later and read it. Best to you and Vera. Enjoy the rest of the holiday weekend. We have our youngest daughter Karen and her family (husband and 4 curtain climbers) visiting us for the weekend Got the pool finished (still hate it) and kids enjoyed it today.luv Ralph/Una

Nigel Fox May 29, 2010 at 12:58 PM Yes so true! a lovely poem. Quite a while ago I wrote a letter to presenter on the radio complementing him on his work , I met him later and he was over the moon , as you say nobody writes letters any more ,including me how sad (well not for them - joke !) All the best !

Amy Green May 29, 2010 at 11:33 AM Amen to this, Bob! Beautifully written and worded. There is nothing like a real letter! Nothing like it, especially when deployed overseas and "mail call" is all you have to look forward to! LOL

Carolyn Devonshire May 29, 2010 at 9:58 AM You're so right, Bob. The hand-written letter has a very personal appeal and says much about the thoughtfulness of the sender. I've been fortunate to receive some such letters from Soup members. One that came from John Loving arrived just when I needed comfort most. I'll never forget this act of kindness. Great sentiments in this cleverly written rhyme! Love, Carolyn