Undelivered Mail -- Rhina P. Espaillat

(Poem #153)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 -- Rhina P. Espaillat