Hamlet to Horatio

I envy your talent for philosophy.
Our very first conversation, in your aunt's
small chintzy parlor, concerned geometry.
So long ago! Since then, you've learned what haunts
the unruly clockwork of my mind, and I
hope I can say (without self-flattery)
I've partly cracked your code as well. No sky
looks foreign to me and no gossips' chattering
sounds slanderous when you're by my side. For you,
all of my model castles I'd demolish
and take up gardening instead. I'd do
anything to make you happy -- even abolish
stupidity and death. You'd only smile
and fondly shake your head, dear xenophile.

❦