But it did. They went to his apartment, and they made love. He was kissed by a man for the first time. For the first time he was held close and shielded against the world-against everyone. And oh God it was wonderful, that security. How lovely and unique were the words and the kisses and the sex and the tender little touches. Outside, tall handsome people were walking down golden streets and bringing other handsome people huge and overpowering bouquets of roses. Here, tonight, this incredibly ugly man had waded an ocean of shit to bring Ralph one little weak cornflower. But Ralph took it gratefully. Theirs wasn't a particularly pretty love, or a particularly grand one. But it was love, by God, and that was all that mattered.

They became lovers, and their courage knew no bounds. They walked the streets together, and were a sight to stop traffic. Two ugly people walked down the street together, and even talked out loud, like real people. Cyrano, and his buddy, the Bell Ringer, crept and skittered along the sidewalk and frightened children into fits. Hurricanes engulfed the Arizona desert, and God fell down out of the sky.

But, all in all, it was a beautiful affair.

Note to J.

The grasshopper rubs

music from his slender legs.

Your slender legs.

Rubbed by music

Dance

Douglas R. Empringham

27