by Marshall Begel

“[Germany’s] Bridegroom’s Oak has a famous knothole that’s been used as a mailbox since 1892.
… Visitors to the tree [must climb a ladder to] leaf through the missives… and choose whether to become
postal paramours with any of the letter-writers.”
—The Associated Press

Just like the prince who dared ascend
Rapunzel’s golden hair,
You chose the letter I had penned,
In answer to my prayer.

Let this connection be the seed
Which grows into our bond,
To meet our demonstrated need,
Tomorrow and beyond!

And I will ease your days of tortured
Loneliness—you’ll see,
For I need workers in my orchard,
And you can climb a tree.