Letter of Kahlil Gibran to Marie Azeez El-Khoury (Boston, undated)
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O Beloved Marie,
Beginning Sunday and up till this hour, I have been among friends and acquaintances, like a boat in the middle of the sea rolled by the waves and buffeted by winds, I became tired of being honored and flattered and invited, however, I am yearning for the golden corner that is filled with quiet and silence - and now, I stole an hour from my friends and came to a room to be alone and talk to you to revive my spirit with ideas and dreams that swim around my head when I sit alone and think of you. You, Marie, are like the pure morning breeze carrying the fragrance of flowers and breaths of bouquets. So, when I think of you I feel an internal ease as though my spirits have been bathed by waves of this perfumed breeze.
Christmas has passed but it did not leave in my heart except regret, longing, and sad memories. However, I put on the appearance of happiness and joy before those whom I like and who like me. And I hate putting on appearances, even the kind that makes other people happy. Holidays, Marie, are seasons of happiness for some people but seasons of sadness for many.
I will return to New York by the end of the week, and were it not for some work I would return tomorrow, but it is life that steers us sometimes through valleys and other times to the top of the mountains. And even though I consider myself to be free, I still am obliged to pay attention to my work and the relationships my work has created with others.
I long for you, O Marie, with all the yearning of fire. I long for the playing, laughter, and smiles, and for the touch of your hands and your shoulders. And I long for your teasing me!!
Think about me a little if you are able, and allow me to place a small kiss—a very small kiss—on your tender palm.
May the heavens keep you
Gibran
27 Tyler St. (Boston)
