letters to mrs. downing

1.

my dear mrs. downing,

I don’t know why I’m writing this to tell you who I am, for I do not think you really exist.
But I write because I like to think you do, I like the think that you sit in your garden drinking tea with milk and honey. Staring at the flowers as if they long to keep you company and speaking softly to the trees (who always think you funny). Your cat, well I’ll call her Rose and she’s soft and black and sweet. I bet you don’t suppose- well I’ll write of that come tomorrow.

Sincerely,


2.

my dear mrs. downing,

Do you take it as an insult that I don’t capitalize your name? What from it do you have to gain anyway? There is nothing in a name, that is why I do not talk of my own. We shall not discuss it, unless of course you just must know. Neverless, capitalized or not, my respect is yours until I die mrs. downing. Don’t think me rude for not showing to tea, but I was much to nervous for that.

Instead I hid behind the tallest tree and made faces at your cat.

Sincerely,


3.

my dear mrs. downing,

I should have named you Austen, but downing seemed more gentle. the only Austen I know is Jane, and well I do not really know her. Nor would I ever, she and I would agree that we would not agree. She is such a bold looking woman though, or no. She is such a sad looking woman!

Dear mrs. downing would you care to join me for dinner to-night? You can tuck a response anywhere you like along your front fence, I’ll pick it up shortly. I do not wish you to see my in this dim light, my shadow is frightful shameful.

Sincerely,


4.

my dear mrs. downing,

Last night I dreamed of dreams. They were horribly, well dark. When I woke up I found myself looking around for you; I forget you live down the way and not with me. No need to answer this,

it is strictly a means to security.

Sincerely,

5.

my dear mrs. downing,

Hello again! Did you see me yesterday, I was off meeting Jane. Jane Goodall, I’m sure you’ve heard of her work with the chim-pan-zes. It amazes me how close the jungles of Africa are! mrs. downing, surely you never thought that they lie behind your garden wall! There were amazement's of all sorts.

Don’t venture in alone, call me first. The jungles are known for their danger.

Sincerely,