May marks one year of my public service as a mail carrier in Phoenix Arizona. It has been a challenging experience while rewarding in very special ways. The job is dirty, outrageously dirty. Touring both beautiful and underappreciated neighborhoods. A constant observation of weather patterns and changes in seasons. Tedious. Lists to stay organized, repetitive body movements. Dexterity. Muscle cramps. Hot office. Hot van. Hot mailbox. Too much mail. Too many packages. Maps. Maps on paper. No map and lost. Forgot my keys. Truck breaks down because too cold. Truck breaks down because too hot. Truck has no gas. Rubber band holding seatbelt together. Nice customers. Rude people. Bad drivers. Offered cold water. Free aloe vera plant. Free gecko. Free bbq. Coffee in winter. No coffee in summer. Work Saturday. Work Sunday. Work 6 days. Work 7 days. Work 2 weeks without a day off. Pick up express mail. Drop off collections. Return keys. Relay. Relay. Relay. Clock in. Clock out. Work, Eat, Sleep, Repeat. Flats then letters. 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b. Suncreen. Long sleeves. Hoka shoes. Hydrate. Electrolytes. Look both ways. Watch for pedestrians. Do not back up. Dont break down. Never stop. Send a message. Pet the cat. Run from dog. Hear the birds. Horses. Hop and stop. Out the window. Park and loop. CBU. NBU. Wall bangers. Walking. Walking. Walking. Rubberbands. Scissors. Pens. Portapotty. Office building. Mansion. Trailer. Vacant lot. Ice. Hydrate again. Dizzy. Red. 911. Breathe. Stay safe.
Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds.
