To You, Thinus

TO YOU, THINUS 26 October 1975 . I thank you for a dream - A dream of mountain air and wooded slopes, A rushing stream, our Liebestraum, Of sharing thoughts and life and love, A touch, a meeting of souls Amid the silence of the stars. . How beautiful is communication without fear of scorn; Transgression and then forgiveness without reproach; Harmonious partnership where neither seeks to crush nor be crushed. How soon we found Understanding, peace and joy Immeasurable and profound. A mutual understanding such as ours Brings deep self-knowledge, and so A mellow acceptance of the world around. . Will you remember in days to come, The tenderness, the gentle love we shared? The words that caressed and warmed our frightened hearts? Will you remember that being sensitive is beautiful And need not bring agony and nailing up of hearts, But can, when fused with mutual love, Melt nails and open tight-lipped buds To blossom and radiate intermingled Ecstasy and peace? . Will you remember how I loved your face, Your soft brown eyes, your strong straight teeth, The curve of your so expressive lips? The memories of your smiles, your laughs, Are more precious to me, now I’m told you rare they are. . I thank you for this dream, This interlude in a life of pain; I thank you for having needed me; I'm glad that I fulfilled my purpose; . I'm glad you taught me how to love, To give, when you are tearing out The very sinews of my being; To wish, without malice, for you and her together, The happiness you couldn't find before. Is it foolishness that makes me think I may have loos'd the iron bars That hid your laughter from the light? Is it vain to hope that I have helped You both to find each other? What does it matter that you deceived And broke me in more ways than I can count? Your happiness is all I ask. My love for you is noble, pure and true. It uplifts me and I thank you. . When you are hurt again and cold and tense, Go out into the stillness of the night, And there beneath the tranquil starry sky, Listen ... strain you ears ... and hear ... above the song Of crickets and night birds, The silver strains of Liebestraum and Barcarolle.