Letters of Ignorance

 No Mary, I know Mark better than that. He's not shallow. Yes, at one point he and I had a sexual relationship, but that doesn't mean that's all he thinks about when he thinks of me. Our relationship was ninety-nine percent other stuff. Some great stuff. You know, back before we were in college, we were friends. I had this boyfriend once who broke my heart, but Mark was there for me. He was just there. Never made any move to get in my pants. In fact, most of the time he would just listen, and I would initiate any sort of physical contact. He's a good man. It's clear that right now he's just a little lonely, and I need to be there for him. Best, Sarah

 This poem is not okay. I mean, I would understand if this is something he's known for doing, maybe, but you've never made it seem like he was much of a poet right? I know what's in his mind. He's probably lonely, sexually isolated, and wants you for that. He wouldn't be moving this fast if it were more than his private parts making him think. I wouldn't respond to this one. In fact, I would just cut contact with him. Sometimes, people stay in our lives for a time, but then some try to weasel their way back in, even when they're not welcome. Best, Mary

 This is not what I was expecting. Were you? A poem? Ambiguous? Unless it's not. I found this to be entirely inappropriate. Has he lost his mind? Not only is it a poem, but it is just a poem...nothing else. What if Aidan finds out? This would definitely not look like just a friend trying to get back in touch.  Best, Sarah

 A chimney sweep a wilted rose forever in the wind there is a fortune that which flows forever before me there is no telling the break of the dawn as winds fire away I keep looking forth and see your face my mind dabbles great another lifetime in such better light is where I'll see you but just for now my mind seems sure that you're truly there

 It's hard to help my friend. Gosh, it's hard. I've known this guy for a long time, and every time I've tried to help him he just goes off and does what he wants. Now, this isn't saying this is different from anyone else. In the long run, we all do what we want to do. In fact, to what extent does giving advice even do? I can talk, talk, talk, and give my peace, but there is something more to it... If you think about it, we've all already decided. I go to Mark and he asks me what I would do, he is inevitably going to do what he is going to do. It's as if we're all predestined to do stuff we're going to do. This makes me think of myself. Of course, I'm going to try and help Mark, but it's just as inevitable for me to fail in helping him as it is for him to be too persistent in his actions. Perhaps every moment leads up to the next, and all we're doing is living blindly, assuming the choices we make are our own. Situations call for certain a...

 Mark, you just won't listen. I'm going to stop sending you letters for now. You are going to do whatever it is that you want to do, and I can't be there for you. Just promise me that you act maturely in this situation. Best, John