Poem of the Day: ‘Undelivered Mail’

In this week of celebration of the poetry of the 90-year-old Rhina Espaillat — a celebration The New York Sun began 72 years ago with a 1950 article titled “Teen-age Poet Wins Honors” — we turn to an example of her comic touch with “Undelivered Mail.” Every Wednesday, the Sun’s “Poem of the Day” features something a little light, something a little humorous. And in “Undelivered Mail,” Ms. Espaillat conjures up a set of letters no one ever sent and no one ever received. “Dear Mom,” the last one reads, “You were right about everything / and I was an idiot not to listen.”Undelivered Mail by Rhina P. EspaillatDear Daughter, Your father and I wish to commend you on the wisdom of your choices and the flawless conduct of your lifeDear Poet! Where is the full-length manuscript you promised us? Your check is waiting The presses are ready and the bookstores are clamoring for deliveryDarling, This convention is tedious beyond belief: the hotel is swarming with disgustingly overexposed women far too young to have dignity or any minds at allDear Patient: The results of your blood tests reveal that your problem stems from a diet dangerously low in pizza and chocolateDear Mom, You were right about everything and I was an idiot not to listen___________________________________________ With “Poem of the Day,” The New York Sun offers a daily portion of verse selected by Joseph Bottum with the help of the North Carolina poet Sally Thomas, the Sun’s associate poetry editor. Tied to the day, or the season, or just individual taste, the poems will be typically drawn from the lesser-known portion of the history of English verse. In the coming months we will be reaching out to contemporary poets for examples of current, primarily formalist work, to show that poetry can still serve as a delight to the ear, an instruction to the mind, and a tonic for the soul.

Poem of the Day: ‘Undelivered Mail’

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