The twentieth century was characterized by numerous conflicts that led to the dissolution of old nations and the formation of new ones. These upheavals often left cultural and national identities in flux, influenced by population shifts and changing borders. The theme of exile is prominent in twentieth-century poetry and serves as a central motif in Ali’s poem. Exile symbolizes a sense of being lost, not only from one's homeland but also from oneself. In Ali’s poem, the speaker grapples with this dual loss—feeling disconnected from both his identity and his country. However, in the poem's third section, he seems to find a temporary sense of self, as suggested by the line, “The entire map of the lost will be candled,” which hints at a brief moment of self-awareness while he issues stamps at night.

In the second-to-last stanza of the final section, the speaker comes to the realization that there is “no prayer” capable of saving him and exclaims, “It’s Us! It’s Us!” This proclamation reflects his acceptance of the contradictions within his own heart, mirroring the contradictions of his homeland, a place as nameless as he perceives himself to be.

Communication goes beyond just exchanging words. For Ali, it encompasses understanding others emotionally and being aware of oneself. In his poem, Ali uses symbols such as letters, stamps, and the post office to emphasize both the importance and the futility of communication. In a country lacking a functional post office, literal communication, like sending letters, becomes impossible. Furthermore, the conflicting factions in Kashmir find it difficult to communicate due to their deep-seated passions and self-righteousness. The speaker's identity and ambitions are filled with contradictions, mirroring the complexities of Kashmir itself. As the speaker gains a deeper understanding of his own identity, he also becomes more aware of the turmoil affecting his homeland. The poem illustrates the speaker's journey from returning to his country at the beginning to realizing by the end that he cannot save either himself or his nation. Like Kashmir, the speaker's heart is wounded, yet it continues to persist, fueled by its resilience and determination to endure.

The term “postcolonialism” typically explores how race, ethnicity, culture, and identity are portrayed in the modern world, especially after many colonized countries gained independence. Some academics, however, extend the term to encompass all cultures and their creations influenced by imperialism, spanning from the beginning of colonization to today. Ali and his poetry exemplify such cultural expressions. Born in 1949, just two years after India's independence, Ali was from New Delhi, India, and grew up in Kashmir, a region disputed by both India and Pakistan. His family was part of the Shia sect, a minority within Kashmir's Muslim community. As a teenager, he spent time in Muncie, Indiana, before returning to India. This extensive travel and varied cultural connections greatly impact Ali's poetry, notably in “The Country Without a Post Office.” In this poem, the speaker is consumed by contradictions and opposing desires, to the point where he seems to wish for destruction as a means to escape the agony of confusion. At one point, the poet states, “Everything is finished, nothing remains,” while at another, he says, “I want to live forever.” The poet's shift from simply observing the minaret to becoming its guardian symbolizes Ali's attempt to confront these contradictions through his poetry rather than avoiding them. However, in doing so, he risks jeopardizing his own mental well-being.