Ermine,
(Lemon County)
Calif. —

My Irreplaceable Y.,

As I stood in front of my kitchen window last morning, a hummingbird fluttered before me — cruciformly — golden, garnet, and kaleidoscopic in the sunlight.

Hummingbirds rarely visit my kitchen window. I only keep cacti there, not flowers.

First she turned her head and looked at me from one eye, then she turned her head and looked at me from the other. She seemed to recognize me, and I seemed to recognize her, too.

Immediately, I had the feeling I should check my mail, and I found your long letter in the mailbox. I saved it to read right before I went to bed. I wanted it only — in my last waking moments — in my head and heart.

This may sound odd, but I saw your face in the letter — first serene yet intent, ethereal, then effulgent and unguarded, beguiling. Sweetheart, your face is my music — no words can express my love for you.

I knew the hummingbird then. She was you. Do you remember doing that, my love?

Forever yours, E. —