Dear friend,
When they dare speak of you,
what violence!
I put on a cordial smile,
but surely my brows furrow
as I contort to counter.
And surely my retorts
embarass you, so inadequate
that you leave, I founder.
I was suprised to find you
again during a night walk.
I heard your ribbet
creep up beside me,
and later, I knelt down
and scooped you up
with two hands
for a quick look.
In these precious moments,
I’m trying not to squeeze:
you and I, not being concepts,
need to breathe.
Of course, this letter
is a failure in this regard,
but I won’t wrap you up in it;
it’s for my desk drawer
collection, which grows
with my love and admiration.