Sheila Charles IS THERE ANY POST?
![some letters and a packet delivered by a postman](https://ume-nori.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/IS-1-1.png)
An acquaintance was coming round
To help me to write a speech.
It was to do with education.
you see, we both used to teach.
I was sitting by the window
Waiting for him to arrive.
Yes, he was on time.
He parked in the drive.
Somehow, I assumed,
Though that is some thing one shouldn’t do,
That he would look in the letter box
And fetch the post in too!
The reason is not
That I am far too busy.
It is just that walking any distance
Makes me feel slightly dizzy.
Well, to my surprise
He walked straight past the box. Yes.
I opened the door, invited him in
And then – you’ll never guess!
I rounded on him saying
“I thought you’d have checked the post.”
(I’m not one for holding back.
Though it’s not something of which I boast!)
I couldn’t believe his answer.
What a dear old-fashioned guy.
“I wouldn’t dream of doing that.”
I couldn’t help asking him why.
“As your mail is private,” he answered,
“I would need your permission.”
I was momentarily stunned.
What an exceptional disposition.
It made me think of one of my friends.
Not only would she check,
She’d sort through it and then tell me
Who it was all from. Oh, heck!
If it happened to be some thing private –
That could be a right pain in the neck!
illustration by ume-nori