Going Postal

Service with a smile is usually a rarity these days, particularly around the holidays. Eye contact, even a general look in my direction warms my soul as I bag my own groceries at the local Jewel. The post office, of all places, seems to remain the exception. This past week, I had the pleasure of visiting the US Post Office not once, but twice. I watched as the friendly men and women in blue inquired about every last detail of the upcoming holiday season with each octogenarian in line. And there must have been a special for the eighty and up crowd this week. Seriously. I overheard a discussion surrounding the merits of pineapple upside down cake that lasted nearly ten minutes. I would normally applaud such efforts because this type of exchange is what our society is so sorely lacking. But this was sinister. The line was snaking out the door and customers were dropping from heat and exhaustion. The layers upon layers of outwear stoking the fires of impatience. I swear I saw evil smirks of triumph on every mail clerks face. The post office feeds on anger. And oh were they well fed this week.