lost in drawers

after the death of richard feynman, renown physics (of Manhattan Project fame) and bongo player, a letter was found. the letter was seemingly written to his first wife, Arline, who had died of tuberculosis years prior.

D’Arline,

I adore you, sweetheart.

I know how much you like to hear that — but I don't only write it because you like it — I write it because it makes me warm all over inside to write it to you.

It is such a terribly long time since I last wrote to you — almost two years but I know you'll excuse me because you understand how I am, stubborn and realistic; and I thought there was no sense to writing.

...

My darling wife, I do adore you.

I love my wife. My wife is dead.

the melancholic letter continues, as the distraught scientist writes to his deceased wife. but, it would not be feynman without a bit of sardonic humor, as he closes out the letter...

PS Please excuse my not mailing this — but I don't know your new address.

the letter was sealed in an envelope for close to 40 years.