Post Office Poems
Storytelling Podcasts
My brother is a letter carrier for the United States Post Office. Every day, he walks around and puts mail into slots on people's houses. He also writes poetry.
Post Office Poems is a series of short meditations on existing in your body in the real world, the joys and tragedies of bureaucracy, and The Mail.
Take a moment with us to consider the glue that holds our mutual lives together: the discount glue, that is only sort of sticky, that you can't get off your shirt.
Location:
United States
Description:
My brother is a letter carrier for the United States Post Office. Every day, he walks around and puts mail into slots on people's houses. He also writes poetry. Post Office Poems is a series of short meditations on existing in your body in the real world, the joys and tragedies of bureaucracy, and The Mail. Take a moment with us to consider the glue that holds our mutual lives together: the discount glue, that is only sort of sticky, that you can't get off your shirt.
Language:
English
Episodes
Poem #22: the inner room (goodbye)
4/27/2021
I am no longer writing poems about the post office.
On fallen petals, what your mind gets up to if left un-distracted, and the return--at long last-- of the future.
postofficepoems.com
patreon.com/postofficepoems
ebenhoffer.com
Duration:00:06:44
Poem #21: having time (and time) again
4/4/2021
The 60 hour work weeks are gone. 40 is a lot to ask, but we’re nearly there.
On remembering the things you like to do when you have time, practicing route time, and loving things in their own way.
postofficepoems.com
patreon.com/postofficepoems
ebenhoffer.com
Duration:00:03:51
Poem #20: after the ice storm
3/1/2021
Power’s back on, the car’s dug out, so back to work it is.
On the dream of fixing things instantly, actually fixing things slowly, and getting old with your ideal self.
postofficepoems.com
patreon.com/postofficepoems
ebenhoffer.com
Duration:00:03:59
Poem #19: mourning the old route
2/18/2021
I found myself staring at the sky, verklempt over some old addresses.
On saying goodbye, getting what you want, and learning to go slowly.
Duration:00:05:44
Poem #18: wet mail met wail
1/21/2021
If not for a variety of things, it would have been OK.
On cascading failures, the effect of rainfall on mail delivery, and the goop in your floating-glitter cell phone case.
postofficepoems.com
patreon.com/postofficepoems
ebenhoffer.com
Duration:00:04:28
Poem #17: Christmas is coming, union buster
12/4/2020
There are no stewards left at my shop.
On union leadership, crimes against humanity, and what to say when people wish you Merry Christmas.
postofficepoems.com
patreon.com/postofficepoems
ebenhoffer.com
Duration:00:09:49
Poem #16: The knack of being loved
11/13/2020
The care home where my route begins is divided into three sections, the last of which is where they care for those who are beginning to drift.
On newspapers, reminding people of their name, and the knack of being loved.
postofficepoems.com
patreon.com/postofficepoems
ebenhoffer.com
Duration:00:05:01
Poem #15: Covid case at my station
11/3/2020
Covid case at my station. How's work going, man?
On contacts of contacts not counting as contacts, checking in, and doing the things that somebody has to do.
Featuring: an interview.
postofficepoems.com
patreon.com/postofficepoems
ebenhoffer.com
Duration:00:07:11
Poem #14: Unrest
10/28/2020
WHAT THE MIDDLE CLASSES DO DURING QUARANTINE
On the people who Get The Mail, the impulse to not give a shit, and something, not exactly sure what, about empathy and its boundaries.
postofficepoems.com
patreon.com/postofficepoems
ebenhoffer.com
Duration:00:08:34
Poem #13: Elections (meet the candidates)
10/21/2020
During the primary I felt good about being a necessary part of our democratic process but I feel nothing right now except sore.
On the distinction between state and federal labor law, delivering negative campaigns materials to their target candidate, and the mailboxes that pinch one's fingies.
postofficepoems.com
patreon.com/postofficepoems
ebenhoffer.com
Duration:00:06:15
Poem #12: Accosted by sentiment
10/13/2020
Mostly out til after dark delivering these days.
On glowing animal eyes in the headlamp, defending the house, and a particular bunch of red, red apples.
postofficepoems.com
patreon.com/postofficepoems
ebenhoffer.com
Duration:00:05:32
Poem #11: Things I have learned
10/6/2020
I was converted to a real carrier about a month ago.
On rolling your advos, the incentive to suck up vs the incentive to lie, and spiders.
postofficepoems.com
patreon.com/postofficepoems
ebenhoffer.com
Duration:00:07:03
Poem #10: A plant grows in the van
9/29/2020
Growing in a heap of dirt by the gas pedal of Route 4's van, I found a seedling.
On names, van maintenance, and mom. Also some podcast housekeeping.
postofficepoems.com
patreon.com/postofficepoems
ebenhoffer.com
Duration:00:05:46
Poem #9: Elections (General)
9/21/2020
The post office sent out little cards with helpful information about mailing in your ballot.
On glossy little cards, being despair's sucker, and going back to work.
postofficepoems.com
patreon.com/postofficepoems
ebenhoffer.com
Duration:00:08:37
Poem #8: Elections (Primary)
9/15/2020
Do we romanticize the right stuff about The Mail? Should we romanticize it at all?
On collaboration, unionization, and trust (occasionally founded): delivering the primaries in Oregon.
postofficepoems.com
patreon.com/postofficepoems
ebenhoffer.com
Duration:00:08:38
Poem #7: Ten CCAs
9/9/2020
OF THE TEN CCAs WHO HAVE BEEN ASSIGNED TO MY STATION DURING MY TENURE.
On injuries, setting a timer, and open positions at Target.
postofficepoems.com
patreon.com/postofficepoems
ebenhoffer.com
Duration:00:06:09
Poem #6: Plague Edition
9/9/2020
PLAGUE EDITION.
On heroism, toilet paper, and needing a toilet.
postofficepoems.com
patreon.com/postofficepoems
ebenhoffer.com
Duration:00:04:38
Poem #5: The smells of the district
9/7/2020
In the nicer part of the district, the houses don't smell like anything.
On the nicer part, the cheaper part, and news to nobody.
postofficepoems.com
patreon.com/postofficepoems
ebenhoffer.com
Duration:00:06:40
Poem #4: A glossary of postal slang
9/6/2020
A GLOSSARY OF POSTAL SLANG, ONLY SOME OF WHICH I MADE UP.
On nixie, skulch, and UBBM.
postofficepoems.com
patreon.com/postofficepoems
ebenhoffer.com
Duration:00:06:01
Poem #3: Federal law prevents me
9/5/2020
Federal law prevents me from saying your amazing name.
On getting to know people, getting priced out, and Golden Dawn.
postofficepoems.com
patreon.com/postofficepoems
ebenhoffer.com
Duration:00:04:46