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73 Reaching for Heaven You tell those ugly lies— Big, juicy ones to convince me That truth is nothing You’d wish upon a fool. I wonder why you say such things. I’d like to open your brain, Just to see what’s there; Yet I’d be deathly afraid To put it back together again. Listen to me for once: It can’t go on like this. I’ve half a mind to pack my stuff, Leave this dumb letter And be done with you forever. I picture you reading my scrawl In an empty, windowless room— Grinning, as you sit by candlelight, Puffing on a Cuban cigar, Smoke slowly escaping your lips. You say there is surely No greater curse than the love We commit to each other— How only deranged angels Ask to sing in choirs For which there is no asylum. I’ve had one more sherry Than you tell me I should. The moon hangs precariously, Dangling by a single thread; But I’m far too tired To reach for heaven. ...

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