Write a letter to Meg in “Down at the Dump” telling her what you think about her relationship with Lummy. 

Dearest Meg,

I respect you and your love growing love for Lummy. I was once in love with a ferrel boy like him. It takes great strength to oppose the structures that are there to keep you safe yet restrained from the freedom and liberty that is first love.  Lummy reminds me of a man I was once swept away by. I recall  his dirty greasy hands and his admiration for the latest heavy metal band at the time; it was trash music but my ears were shielded by my longing heart for him. Gerald I believe his name was. Honestly it was a long time ago now. I’ve been stuck with the same man now for 37 years. I wish I could go back to being carefree like you my dear.

Don’t let your mother’s anxious tendencies worry you my dear. She is a prude for the time and fears the worst of everyone. Fly as high and as far as you want, make ol’ Daise proud. Rest her kind soul. And if it is permission you seek to hang around this boy, I give it all to you. I’m glad you are finally experiencing all that is the beauty of a first love. Even if this fellow is from the other side of the wire.

I see a lot of Daise in you, dearest Meg. Treasure and hold her spirit in every way you can. I wish I possessed the same confidence you do, oh how much more fun I could have had.

Anyhow I should stop being wistful and get on with the gardening. Has your mother still got those beautiful flowers covered in plastic? Tell her to take it off and let them breathe all the beauty that is life,  just like you should!

Love you endlessly.