Disclaimer: Star Trek is the property of Paramount/Viacom. This poem is the property of Johanna Cantor is copyright (c) 1977 by Johanna Cantor. Originally printed in Furaha #5, 1977.

LEILA

Johanna Cantor

He has not changed.

He cannot change.

Warmth - love - vitality: I know they're there. But they must always be hidden.

He has to be a Vulcan.

I embarrass him - even threaten him.

If only he would let me love him, I wouldn't ask...

But he cannot.

I must remember that: he cannot.

I must not be angry at him.

Years ago, I promised myself that I would never be angry - never be bitter. That would spoil it all.

At least here I can love him. I don't have to hide it.

They belong to me.

I belong to them.

Here, perhaps, he can belong, too.

Here.

I will try to make him

understand.