aching heart soothed–
a rare and artificial
exception

daydreaming away
from the text, for pages–
Champi’s mystery

in search of
time’s impossible journeys
eager for George Sand

gifts of armchairs
collapse under newlyweds
but it’s art

all life’s things must have
intellectual profit–
grandmother’s presents

premature gifts
of grandmother’s quelled the tears–
four short, wide books

I could weep with her
but our relationship changed–
sorrow’s puberty

unhappiness now
seen as involuntary–
my tears flow

Memories return,
an irretrievable time–
Mamma spent that night

father surprises,
devoid of principles–
Mamma in my room