Sonnets To JenniCam I, 8

January 27, 1997 ?

Even in cyber-space, Lament strikes freely; no one is really safe. One minute sexual sacrament, next minute only a lonely waif crying out upon the altar. See, it's really far too much for all our love to be so far in millions whom she cannot touch. Joy's OK, and Longing is allowed - Lament alone we shun, and turn away reminded of our own deep ancient hurts. But suddenly she, impulsive, unrehearsed, holds up a four-word mirror of our pain in the viewscreen, which her breath does not becloud.

Fort Collins, February 12, 1999

In addition to being a tribute to Jenni, this poem is also a satire of R. M. Rilke's "Sonnets to Orpheus I, 8".