#23

To: Joan
From: Sonny


Dear Joan,

I found this poem by William Wordsworth. I thought of you and I cried.

She was a phantom of delight when first she gleamed upon my sight / A lovely apparition, sent to be a moment's ornament /Her eyes as stars of twilight fair / Hike twilight's too, her dusky hair / But all things else about her drawn from May-time and the cheerful dawn / A dancing shape, an image gay / to haunt, to startle and waylay.

I saw her upon nearer view / A spirit, yet a woman too! / Her household motions light and free, and steps of virgin-liberty / A countenance in which did meet sweet records, promises as sweet / A creature not too bright or good for human natures daily food / For transient sorrows, simple wiles, praise, blame, love, kisses, tears, and smiles. 

And now I see with eye serene, the very pulse of the machine / A being breathing thoughtful breath, a traveller between life and death / The reason firm, the temperate will, endurance, foresight, strength, and skill / A perfect woman, nobly planned, to warm, to comfort, and command / And yet a spirit still and bright with something of angelic light.

I love you,

Sonny