Imagine yourself back in the 16th or 17th century. You need to express to your lover how you feel and how you are longing to spend long, intimate moments together. How? There are no cellphones, telephones, e-mails -- nothing. Nothing to ensure communication save quill, parchment and perhaps an errand boy to deliver your passionate missive. The letter is full of desire and yearning. It conveys to the lucky recipient just how much you care and long to be in his or her arms.

As we are catapulted into the 21st century and envelope ourselves in all its modern comforts, we inadvertently leave behind some pleasurable traditions that would leave one trembling with excitement and anticipation - traditions that are worthy of preservation and cultivation. The art of writing a love letter should be nurtured and perfected when one wants the romance to grow and flower.

The love letter can fire the imagination of the one who is writing it as well as the one who receives it. The pleasure of imagining different ways to write about your love and passion is just part of the joy. Sharing that imagination with your chosen through the written word rounds out the experience.

A love letter need not be pages and pages of gushing mush, either. Think of whatever delightful, decadent, even naughty expressions that would ignite the mind and strike flaming anticipation in the body. Build up your vocabulary to include a variety of words to describe the intimacy or the sensual nocturnal games you could share.

The letter may describe what pleasures await when you next meet or feelings of love and tenderness. Take the time to tailor your letter for the moment. If a bit of romance is the order of the day, start your letter by using adjectives like darling, dear heart, my love. Go on to express tender feelings and how it is for you when you spend intimate moments with your chosen. It’s a marvelous way to set the tone for moments of soft, sweet, loving time together.

Perhaps a more primal experience is what’s called for. Strong words that send the pleasure points strumming with rapture would impart exactly the sort of nightly carnal delights that could be in store. Beginning the letter with words that flatter your chosen would let him know of what sort of naughty fun he can expect.

One scenario could be played out like this: You are leaving your love nest before your mate. You won’t see him until the day is done. Take your lipstick and write on the mirror what luscious delights are in store when you two next meet. An unfettered love letter scented with a fragrance you know him to enjoy, peeking out a pair of lacy undies it and left next to his pillow will have his mind reeling with possibilities.

Exploring this undervalued tool is a sweet way to weave romance, enchantment and desire with your mate. There are no boundaries within the imagination. Set it free and discover the joys of the love letter.