Letters from the Inside, Michael Swango, #45

Dear KK---

Much to get to in your two letters, so let me plunge right in: Beginning with two "heavy" subjects-I very much appreciate your sharing:

I can totally understand your thoughts on children. However, I would add only one caveat. I have seen women and men more set against wanting children than you---who have changed their minds when circumstances changed. But you do seem fairly certain.

And I respect your thoughts on HIV and AIDS: But you are so right even though it is the leading cause of death among 3-=40 y/o African-American men in Washington DC you wouldn't know HIV/AIDs still existed in the US.

Again, my immersion in the disease and its devastating toll in Africa probably pushes me to keep it on everyone's radar. My apologies. For now I will demur on inflicting some of my harrowing stories from those years, out of respect for your feelings.

Well, that's a cheery start, isn't it?! I guess you're still waiting for your topic for your "Story Slam" on 28 SEP. How do they choose topics and who chooses them? Seems as though that could make a huge difference especially with HBO Specials & Hollywood careers apparently now in play!

Was able to re-read the article after you so kindly sent me a copy. It really is an entire sub-culture. Fascinating how these things develop. Now I have a much better idea of your surroundings when you perform at one of these. Takes guts, Kelly. Kudos.

Two more things about your "Slam Life". Did you or will you go to the "Moth Ball"? And I stand by my opinion (for what it's worth!) on your potential guy who lives with the ugly girl: The amount of attention he is paying to you shows he is quite interested and wants more. Unfortunately, one can be in a relationship and by coincidence or serendipity meet someone who just blows you away. It ain't pretty, it ain't convenient, but it happens. This is of course as obvious as it is true. Good luck--I will say again--you have everything going for you, Kelly: looks, intelligence, twisted sense of humor (the best kind!)...and (don't get upset please, I call 'em as I see 'em) and intense & inventive sensuality that explodes like a volcano for the right man...When you do find him, whether it's online scrabble guy or someone else, he will be very lucky if he has the energy to keep up!
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(Ed.: The next part of the letter discusses MAD MEN and various movies. I'm cutting that out of the transcription here.)

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Yours,
XOXO
Michael