“Postmarked” is a fictional series of love letters written in postcards mailed from different cities that I have visited in my real life. The correspondence is between two principal characters from an unfinished novel that I started to write shortly after the turn of the century. The novel covers a very turbulent time of my life in Washington, D.C. As a means of catharsis and mental relief, I created a set of characters living in D.C., two of whom eventually discover an intense, intimate, and impassioned love for each other. In this “Postmarked” series related to my novel, one character makes a point to send a postcard to the other character and cannot help but write what he truly feels regardless of who might read his words en route to the object of his affection. “Postmarked” is intended to be personal, personable, quirky, and humorous. It is my own tribute to hopeless romantics around the world. I hope you enjoy.
25 Aug. 2010
My dearest, darling Sybithian:
Greetings from Hong Kong, my love! I have missed you intensely this summer. I hope you like this postcard. You know how much I’m thoroughly mesmerized by massive metropolises at night, and HK delivers exceptionally. I went to the dim sum restaurant you recommended in Kowloon. Every item of food was so scrumptious. I even tried to use chopsticks, but failed miserably, much to the subdued humour of the locals who quietly observed the inquisitive American trying to blend in. I think they appreciated my efforts. I laughed at myself as well because you’ve seen how clumsy I am without a fork or spoon at a dinner table before. Alas, the only true regret I have is that you were not with me to witness and take pleasure in my bumbling folly.
I was left to imagine your gorgeous face and gentle chuckling as one of my dumplings slid right off my plate like a somersault! I do love Hong Kong. Truly. I can walk around the streets and no one seems to take notice of me. I don’t feel like I stand out among the people here.
It’s a cityscape photographer’s fantasy, as you once said so brilliantly. I’m only here for a week, but I wish it was longer. I would love to walk along Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade at night, holding you very tightly against me while watching the laser light show on the skyscrapers while the ferries and junk boats traverse Victoria Harbour. I miss you so much, and can’t wait to see you in September. I love you with all my heart and soul.
Yours forever,
Ephri
Original Hong Kong Photograph for licensing or printing
Romantic. Beautiful. Magical.
Thanks, my friend. We’ll see how this series goes.