Letter Box

by Nicko   May 1, 2012


It was a scruffy day
The sun full of blisters
Flies that wouldn't settle
With hills stretching out to hazy,
A place of grease, diesel, stained bush shirts
Where pasture grew on drops of sweat and toil
The air dry with it

A letter box atop a hill
Sits aslant upon a galvanized pole.
The hinged flap at the back, long since gone
Forever agape like a hungry mouth
Mourning to be fed

Once adorned with red lead paint
Faded to corroded rusty brown,
Occasion a perch for crows
With their cockeyed stare
Squawking there incessant nags
That taint the air then abate

Grass of ripened stalks
Sway and thwack its cast iron base
Though no whisper of pain is heard

Behind, crumbling bricks
Lay scattered amongst the grass stubble,
Remnants to a chimney stack,
Many blackened as a tomb
That hold no warmth

About lichen and moss, grows in crisscross patterns
Skeletons upon fallen timber
Fodder for worms and Huhu grubs
Returning it for the earth

Amidst the ruin
The corner of a corrugated iron sheet juts out
Flapping, deadly, whispering for help
As mother earth holds firm, slowly claiming its innards

Atop the hill a letter box maintains its lonely vigil,
Though never ever, a postman to deliver

    report violation
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Latest Comments

  • 7 years ago

    by Ben Pickard

    Nicko,

    I have to be honest and say I haven't read too much of your work, but upon reaching the end of this piece, I can only say how sorry I am not to have stumbled across your poetry sooner. I suppose you don't post too often so I never think to read your work, but I saw you online and thought I'd have a browse.
    I didn't have to go any further down the list than one or two to find this gem - the kind of free verse and descriptive writing I wish I were more accomplished with. This is truly a wonderful piece of writing.

    All the best,

    Ben

  • 9 years ago

    by Em

    The scene is set so well within this poem and I can imagine myself standing in the place very clearly, well done. Lovely piece.

  • 10 years ago

    by Burning Angel

    The imagery displayed in this poem made it easier to read and really get into! I love it mm

  • 11 years ago

    by Yakori bint Muhammed

    This is just exquisitely worded. It draws different emotions in one and has a gloomy tone radiating in it. I loved how you took 'letter box' as a catalyst to talk about deserted nature is sadly wonderful. You excel at capturing the readers attention to the moment at hand. Making one ride along with you as if one envisions the same thoughts you felt when penning this refreshingly exuberating end product.

    Even with the sad elements it has an air of serenity in it that immerses one into its presence. A well thought out piece. A masterpiece! *claps*

  • 12 years ago

    by Maple Tree

    This poem is an abstract painting of my Grandfathers forgotten pasture.... I can't begin to express the feelings I got while reading this piece, its very detailed and descriptive.. You described in detail of what I see when I walk into the pasture..feeling the rusted old farm equipment that hasn't ran in years and years... Love this piece!

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