A Love Letter

Dear Sir,

Do you know that Paris is a morgue without you? Be not alarmed, I am well, and my days are replete with nature and art and thought, but it seems I have overestimated my capacity to enjoy such infinite beauty and history. Such things fill me to excess with joy and light and emotion, but no one is here to catch the overflow of my heart in its exuberance. I am choking here in myself, without you.

Instead, I once again match pen with paper and create for you a poor reflection of my heart’s secrets. I will bring my thoughts to life, give them form and structure, for your consideration. In your solitude you may draw upon the things I have told you and the words I write you.

This recent turn of events finds me reflecting upon your character. In the midst of my musings and reminiscence, I pull my gaze from my window to smile quietly at myself, at the blush that comes with your memory. Who you are exists in the posture you exhibit to the world, to specific people therein, a posture of righteousness and sacrifice. You involve yourself with our world, you interact with science and nature and mystery and humanity, hesitating only to consider the consequences of your intended actions. You are stability and discipline. You are wisdom and cunning. As the ways in which I see into your soul grow, I recognize that which is truly valuable within you. You are marked by the merits of honor, trust, and the dedication to finding the best course of action in every situation.

I ponder this thing into which you have induced me. I am sure I know not the complexities and breadth of this assurance I give you. Yet this perfect morning finds me grasping with all my being the hope that we will reach the end of our days with fortitude and compassion, successful in the goals we create for ourselves. Together, our two hearts can give more to the world than they ever could alone. When you weaken, I will stand for you. When I am overcome, you will take my hand and lead. When you grow discouraged, I will show you how to continue. When I am unsure about my purpose, you will tell me again who I am. Together, we have more strengths to offer the world, more grace, more counsel, more wisdom in addressing the shortfalls of society, more inspiration in bringing about benevolence between mankind.

And this represents your opinion as well. It brings me delight and anticipation to realize you want me to join you, to be with you, to occupy with you the unfamiliar depths of the soul. May I express to you how much easier this makes staying strong? I thank you for wanting me, for wanting to elicit the ways in which I can bless you.

Yet I will not lie. You have caused me pain. You sought out the parts within me that were not perfect and lovely, and you invited change. With your guidance I have become much more than I ever was. I have faced my childish ways, and widened my heart to encompass acts of compassion and mercy, a character of nobility and fortitude. This has been my path as directed by you. I hope it brings a smile to your lips when I remind you that this was not easy. In your arms I fear nothing except the selfishness within me, which I know you will cause me to leave behind as years pass.

Everything within you calls forth all that is within me, and I ache with desire to conquer life with you, by your side, as your lover, confidante, and most faithful champion.

As I gaze down on the ring that now binds me to you, I realize you have loved me, in your words, in your actions, in the way you desire my betterment. I am overcome, and my spirit is resolute within me to love you. May you never doubt this promise.

You have all my respect for all my eternity.