international marriage

The leap between
sex and sex
is dangerous enough;
but a leap between cultures
adds idiocy to normal folly.
You can hold on tough
or else you can't.

But in all these slim adventures
courageously repeated,
there is strength, not weakness.
There is an understanding, a groping
towards the truth
of our shared humanity:

I want this boy.
I want this girl.
I don't want any other.

I don't care
about tradition, I don't care
about your laws. I don't care
what the neighbours might say.
I'm so sorry, Mama.
Please forgive me, Papa!

I will always love you,
but this is the right thing to do.
I know this in my heart.

You say there is danger?
There is danger in waking up in the morning.
There is danger in lying down to sleep.

We may marry without your blessing
even though it brings down trouble
but marry we shall, we will,
even if my immature brothers
are tempted to preserve our "honour"
by behaving like idiots.

We shall marry and be happy
I hope.

May I sometimes come and visit?