I originally composed this essay a number of months
before Covid 19 prompted “stay at home” isolation. I post it now as an
invitation to those of you who are skilled at such penmanship to revive it
and make it an act of compassion by writing letters and sending cards to those
in isolation.
“I noticed for the first time how cramped and unformed was my
own handwriting; without individuality, without style, uneducated even, the
writing of an indifferent pupil taught in a second-rate school.” Thus concludes
chapter eight of Daphne Dumaurier’s novel “Rebecca”.
This post is an
encouragement to reclaim the art of cursive writing. I am not promoting the compulsory
practice of cursive writing in school. Rather, I encourage it as an art form which
can enhance the enjoyment of writing, reading, and presentation of self.
DuMaurier’s sentence implies that cursive writing can reflect
a person’s individuality. In a society where people are always wishing to be
unique and “set apart” from the masses, cursive can deliver such an attribute in
a dramatic fashion with minimal expense.
Her sentence hints
that a person can articulate an aspect of personal style, intimate an achieved
level of education. These attributes can be convincingly accomplished through
writing on paper, in cursive. The writer has choice of what color and grade of
paper. You also can choose the color of ink.
Cursive can give even the most unimpressive gathering of
words and punctuation majesty and make it emotionally fetching.
My own handwriting is and always has been just barely
decipherable, even to me at later read. Therefore, to be practical, I will
stick to block lettering and that from computer software.
Of course there is
cost of paper, envelope, and stamp. But, I assert that if you want to make an
impression, improve your reputation, create a sense of individuality and style,
apply yourself to the art of cursive. Imagine the admiration a reader would
gain for you upon seeing your words in personal, authentic, and intentionally
moved ink.
Imagine the sense of anticipation inspired in the recipient
of such a letter as they break the seal of the envelope with a letter opener,
pull out the sheet of paper, unfold, and feel very personally addressed by your
artful and comforting words to them.
