Letters from the Inside, Michael Swango, #93-95

Ed: So I have about 20 pages of letters from Swango. I will only be typing things I find noteworthy. I generally omit any pop culture commentary unless it is interesting.


Dear Kelly,

Hi sunshine! No letters from you for longer than usual. Even if you're enjoying a vacation in the Hamptons or the Caribbean or the south of France (well, maybe not the latter) you must send me a letter from one of your exotic locales. In any event, still much to discuss with you from your earlier letters...and of course, always new things and new films to talk to you about and solicit your always interesting opinions.

Meant to write more earlier in the week. Unfortunately, now Thursday--so let me get righ tto it, as I will probably have to stop sooner than I'd like:

[Ed.: Omitting discussion of articles he'd like me to send him.]

KK--you are probably familiar with Mr. Hitchens. He writes so much you are bound to have read something by him. Very controversial, but brilliant writing. Whether I agree with his opinions or not (i.e. He was a big supporter of the Iraq War fiasco)--I always read him when I get the chance.

Anyway, he's been diagnosed with an aggressive dangerous tumor, and is undergoing chemo/radiation. I saw a recent long interview with him on Charlie Rose. You may know that he is absolutely a confirmed atheist.

[Ed.: I'm omitting three pages of film listings he would like me to see and tell him about if possible.]

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Dear Kelly,

Two of your always interesting and intriguing letters have arrived at the same time with at least one big surprise to me--so let me write what I can now/and write more tomorrow.

>YOU are such a fascinating woman with an AWESOME apartment. My God, when you said black, white and red, you weren't kidding! Or as the writer of the article said: your "insanely color-coordinated pad." WOW!

Maybe it's my own OCD tendencies & somewhat "organized" personality, but I was mesmerized by the photos...the checks, the stripes, the sharp angles... of course an an eight ball on your red table on top of the zebra-stripe rug!

Trust me, KK---I am not an interior-decorating oriented person---probably just the opposite, if I am honest about any place I've lived without a female presence...but I could not take my eyes off my photos.

And tell Matthew Williams that the photo of you sitting demurely on your color-coordinated bedroom...is very, very sexy. Say what you want about imagination, but that photo screams sexuality. And by the way, Ms. Kreth, that is a good thing---a very good thing.

When you can as time permits, do send the additional photos and your acerbic witty commentary.

Again---thanks for that. Very cool!

***
[About a movie made about him.]

Now to my "stopped" in mid-sentence surprise. This was in your letter written on stationary & two postcards:

KK--I did not know there had been a movie made. Are you serious? Are you sure it wasn't just a brief snippet " re-enactment" from one of the multiple "True Crime" shows?

So these comments to start:

- I did not know/and to honestly answer your question: I am quite surprised. Several years ago I received a letter from a person in the film business, who told me he had been at a meeting in 01 or 02 regarding possible treatment for several crime-related films---either theater or TV. Apparently, my sad tale was discussed, and was ultimately not taken further for there key reasons:

- Not visually dramatic
- No witnesses
- Too many unknowns

So--can I ask you to tell me where the full film can be accessed? When was it made and what is the title? I must admit being genuinely curious. But, Kelly: With that said, you do know that and purported scene between myself & Kristin must be total speculation---since no one , but me, sadly, could say what happened.

"Scary & chilling." Really? You can't say that without telling me exactly what was shown. Anyway, sorry it had that effect on you.

If you are willing--our discussions of this film could help to give you some of those insights you wish to have.

So tell me more please. I still can't believe it.

[Ed. Omitting movie commentary.]

P.S. OMG Kelly--your summer malaise really showed in a coupld of your letters. My poor baby---would love to cheer you up with a long conversation---I know I could because I do get some of you at least :-). Next time I'll tell you how to tap into your inner "teen-age girl". My theory is that we all have one and survival and happiness are tied directly to it!

See---didn't even mention sex---you judge me far too easily!

XOXO
---Michael

***
[Ed.: I'm omitting the compulsive underlining in this last one.]
Dear Kelly---

While watching the most recent "Louie" I could not help but think of you and your many insightful & funny comments on the dating scene in Gotham---especially for 30-something females!

Has it finally come to this? That random men now come to your workplace and literally follow you home? Watching Louie fumble his incredibly clumsy comments on black women was hilarious!

[Ed.: Omitting discussion on M. Night Shyamalan and Twilight.]

I have been at the scene of many motorcycle accidents, many of them fatal, many of them gruesome. Driver and passenger almost always injured to some degree. And yes, I know that road rash is one of the most painful injuries you can have.

So you are right. Could have been so much worse.

South of Springfield IL in Chatham---hi speed cycle crash after midnight. Driver dead with gray matter everywhhere--no helmet.

West Quincy, MO--Weekday moring rush hour about 7:30am. Motor cycle vs. car: Cyclist helmet conscious but in shock. Lower leg 30 feet away. We were first on the scene. Treated him/ got ice from 7/11 for the leg and hauled ass. Finally--with what I know about you, your time spent lying helpless and not in control in a municipal trauma center--probably in the hallway somewhere--must have been excrutiating & terrifying for you on so many levels... That is one day you will never forget.

By the way, I still have six-word memoirs and Die! blog on my list. I will submit.

I must make one more serious comment. In one of your letters from early August, I could truly feel your rather savagely acute depression. I could make a flippant comment like "you could use some more inner teen-age girl, etc." but I take depressive illness really seriously...I know you find this hard to believe given my history, but I feel genuine empathy & wish I could make it go away.

I"m a huge believer in the SSRI class of anti-depressants.

I will continue to talk to you as much as possible, on as many subjects as possible, hopefully amusing you and infuriating you in equal measure! Anything to keep that marvelous brain of yours engaged!


So you take care, Sunshine. Still have more to write re your letters---and will keep writing until we catch up...but by then more letters from you. Wouldn't have it any other way. Thinking of you, KK. Stay cool and stay safe.

XOXO
Yours,
Michael
***