It’s not that the mailbox is too far
to walk to everyday, but that it’s just far enough
to make riding a bicycle meaningful.
Jim walks the dog every morning and evening,
but rides his bike to the box. On the way back,
he pedals while steering one-handed.

He takes joy in the idea of getting the mail.
He once checked three boxes daily, each one met
with the eagerness of unwrapping a birthday present.

Opening the mailbox is as satisfying as a meal.
When the flag broke off, he replaced it
with a serving spoon painted red.