Mr. Postman.

Have we, you and I ever wondered what role the Postman ever did to our lives?

Not many ever thought about the Postman. Some don’t even smile at the Postman. Just recollect our mind and venture to those times when we eagerly waited for the Postman to deliver to us something very important. Those letters even mould our life. The Postman cycled to our houses, Kampongs and New Villages rain or shine without failed. The dogs ambushed and chased the man riding the red bicycle.

The Postman delivered a Letter that you have been enrolled in the University and today you are somebody. What if the Postman failed to deliver or he misplaced the offer letter accidentally?
You just applied for a job, went for the interview and the outcome would be sent to you. You got the job but the Letter did not reach you. Did you get the job?

Postman on his delivery round.

Lovers sent letters by the Postman. Perhaps some tied the matrimonial knot and now counting children or grandchildren. What if the letters did not reach your sweethearts? Probably you got married to a different person but that particular person still lingers in your heart and mind. Smile…………to yourself, if you are one of them. You see what I mean, what a Postman has affected our life?

Late Haji Talib the Postman attached at Sungkai Post Office cycled to my Kampong, six (6) miles away every Monday and Wednesday. Along the way, he stopped at several designated drop points. He had to personally come, no errand because he alone had the key to open the Kampong Post Box to collect posted letters. There was no provision for him to travel by bus. Haji Talib was the only media connecting us to the world. At odd times he had to deliver a telegram. Everybody in the Kampong knows Haji Talib and he received special invitation, reception and recognition at the kampong weddings or ceremonies.

Haji Talib – you had long gone. Alfatihah and I still remember you. I still remember the man wearing the hard round khaki hat. You delivered the Letter that I was enrolled to a Boarding School in 1963 and my life began from thereon of what I am today. Things could have been different if you did not deliver the letter. You were the instrument that Almighty Allah had destined.

Old Postman bicycle.

Today – the Postman is equip with motorcycles or even Van to deliver the letters and parcels to our houses. Their deeds and responsibilities are the same from yesteryears. With the present technology we sent letters by email instead by the Postman. For the old folks they still rely on Mr. Postman.

Postman bring joy and happiness to all. The next time you meet a Postman, just smile at him and he would be honoured.