Bernard writes to Esther: “I have a family and a home.
I lead; and have never been led at all.
In the night it's the rum on rocks, in the mornings I walk with Jess
But when I see you - I hardly breath as it my blocks my chest”.
Bernard writes to Esther: “Next to my house there is a pond,
Children go swimming there, but mostly not,
I've seen it all – Beirut, Singapore,
From the Iceland fjords to Somali ore,
But if I have you taken away, I live no more”.
Bernard writes: “Revenue, audit and finance,
A Jeep with a driver, Edith in the speakers, that prance,
Thirty percent discount at the favourite bar - they always pour on trust,
But you are looking – as if God is looking into my eyes”.
Bernard writes: “I'm forty-eight, as the other bald social lions,
I remember who I am by the visa, the passport and the driving license,
A pit flooded with water, nuclear burial ground,
I count subordinates by the heads as pins tightly bound,
But even if words would be money,
I couldn't think to afford you, darling”.
My girl, you are beautiful like my Mom
You came to say you shall die: but breath for now,
Just don't write to me, Esther, please don't write at all
No soul is enough to bear it, my tired, exhausted soul”.