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Odes to Claude

During the several weeks of Willy’s dedicated passivism, he found it very difficult to think, much less to write; and the little writing he did was offered in loving devotion to Claude:

SOMEWHERE...

In the eternity

of a lost love,

lies a dream

that won’t die.

A promise—a hint of

something to come.

A shadow that lurks,

but won’t reveal.

A hope, wish, illusion

of love again.

Just enough—all it takes

to live one more day.

YOU ARE MY

VANILLA NOW

Bathe me in your sweet oils

—your essence of love—

That I may feel

the brown softness

of your warmth.

THE NEW WHITE ROBE

I have a new robe,

a gift from a friend.

The robe is white, long..,

and hooded.

The robe is cotton, soft

.. . and warm.

I treat myself to a very hot bath,

with oils and, for once,

enough time,

then wrap up in my new white robe.

I see myself in front of a fireplace,

nestled into feathery pillows,

sipping candle-heated brandy.

I lean back gently onto his shoulder,

and finally into his arms,

discovering the peace called love.

I have a new robe, a gift from a friend.

The robe is white, long...

and hooded.

The robe is cotton, soft

. . . and warm.

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