I believe people are like parcels.

They start off nicely wrapped and taped

stamped with fresh ink;

destination marked in black biro.

Some are dropped from the van

others get crushed

as they leave the sorting office.

Scuffed on the floor

kicked and dented as their tape unravels;

words smudged

lying in a pool of rainwater.

Some don’t reach their destination

and countless are lost in transit.

The parcel that arrives at the end of its journey

is stronger;

branded with battle scars.

Copyright © 2014 by Kate W J White (All Rights Reserved)