Letters from the Inside, Michael Swango, #113

Dear Kelly,

Like your historical Doppelganger, Scheherzade, I feel as though I have 1001 things to talk about with you--so let me get started.
First sentence in history to use both those words together.

Final notes from your earlier letter: The moreI look at it, the more I believe that simple photo from Mexico of you with your arm around Amir's neck, him staring perfectly symmetrically at the camera, and you with that loving angelic look on your face (I'm not offering false compliments, KK, it really is very pretty) that photo defines you both. Shouldl this become permanent, make sure that photo is always around.

>And the story from Mexican customs on your return flight was fascinating. You, the cute white American girl [think Mary Lousie in Weeds] almost undergroing a full-body cavity search; the crazy Marlboro/nails lady being upgraded to First Class; and AMIR--need I saw more. AMIR being waved on though.."board the plane now, sir, no, no, no check you board now..." White lady come here when we finish...

>And one more comment on the series of photos with your short hair--straight and frizzy/glasses sans glasses: You should consider playing the role of Bruce Willis when they make Day of the Jackal 2. You are a woman of many faces, my dear.



Moving on your letter (early Feb):

One of NY's hottest singles! Impressive. Don't tell me you don't have a fascinating NY social life...party at the Spanish Benevolent Society...party with Amir at the Brooklyn Museum...

[Ed.: I'm omitting POEM TALK.}

***

If the story of "John" and his virtually unique experience with HIV and Jenia--girlfriend and AIDS research scientist and Kelly caught in the middle wasn't strange enough/your last details on the subject convince me it must be told--whether in a memoir or in a fact-based novel.

RE: Our fictional story--a work in progress--Why would our main character want to do that? As you put it--what was the allure?

If, in reality, there is no absolute raison d etre then we have two choices.

A) Simply describe what is happening---tell the story. Let the reader's jaw drop in amazement/at both the acts and the randomness of choices.

B) Invent a back story...brutal childhood...power/revenge/etc.

I know that doesn't give us why...yet.

Not an IDOL watcher--I was the first couple of seasons--but I know that you are. So tell me, Tyler and Lopez, and how they change the show for better or wrose... I do see highlights on Chelsea and elsewhere. The other night I saw Lopez crying and being "comforted" by the men. OMG! Puh---leeze. Grow a pair, J-LO!

[Ed.: I'm omitting commentary on the blog article I sent him YOU SHOULD DATE AN ILLITERATE GIRL.]



I plan on reading "The Wave" this weekend. Defintely the kind of story demands full attention.

You are right---Beautiful review: By TIm Flannery The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating by Elizabeth Tova Bailey

Also something I want to save. I love the image of time literally slowing down to the pace of a snail...for the author...perhaps as it would on a starship voyage of many years to Alpha Centauri. 43 light years away...or perhaps in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains...

Will have more comments. You have gotta love the self-fertilization dont' you? Just think---eliminates the need for those troublesome men.

Thank you for all three items/articles---everything you send to m e is always so intriguing and fascinating.

***

Sorry for the delay with this letter. I wanted to get it out to you before the weekend. as it won't go out until Sunday.

Could I ask you to look for and send an article from Vanity Fair? It is either in the current issue or upcoming issue.

Written by MIchael Lewish it is about the financial meltdown in Ireland. Thank you.

Did not receive any letters from you (so far) this week--but I consider two things: 1) Mail is always delayed during a holiday week and 2) AMIRITIS: I know he will be taking a lot of your time.

Spring is on the way....again, that is the rumor. Thinking of you--hoping you stay safe and warm.

Take care.
Your friend,

Michael