affection

Soft echoes from childhood are suddenly awakened,

(like the baker's muffin bell;) and I tell myself

that the well of life's experience is now too deep

for a sleeper's nostalgic memories to surface by day.

They say not to mingle new wine with old,

yet boldly you display a sauciness you've picked up

at suppers with your Mayfair social set, popping it

on top of your former role as close confidant.

I bridle with undue restraint at your truly splendid

generosity of spirit, because I lack

the knack of opening my heart to others, in brotherly

reciprocation of the cryptic sibling pact.

I have no wish to lay my soul all bare,

when plunging deep in amorous despair.