Date: Sun, 14 Feb 1999 20:04:44 -0500 (EST) From: Susan Bennett Subject: Natalie (1/1) (Poem) To: Fan Fiction This is a last minute Nick & Nat Valentine's Day poem, seeing as how my Valentine's Day story's probably going to take a couple more weeks to finish . "Natalie" by Susan B. Feb.14/99 based on characters from Forever Knight, etc. -------------------------------------------- She presents herself to me slowly The things she likes, the movies that make her cry. I've never known a woman in this way. I've never taken the time, the time to savour love. She compels me to unravel the mystery of her as only a human could. Is that not seductive? Like drinking her blood a droplet at a time? She teaches me. "A drink for you," she explains, moving the glass towards my lips. "What is it?" Foolish question. "It's good for you! Drink it!" She grins. I smile and taste. It's wretched. A fleeting pain in her eyes as I gag. Do I bolt? Do I run? Should I tell her that her mortal tears would never bitter on my tongue? She gives me hope. "I'm sorry, Nick," she says as she takes the glass away. "I really thought you would like this one." Why does she do that? Why does she beg forgiveness whenever she reminds me of what I am? I'm sorry, Nick. What is there to be sorry about? For barbs that sting me like soft chalk on granite? Only innocence would apologize to evil. She is my light. She returns and sits beside me, and pretends that nothing's wrong. "Next time," I say, and she smiles at my effort. Because I am the one who always gives up, who relies on her to be determined enough for both of us. She is my strength. I touch her face and she trembles Does she not think I know? I tremble too. Inside. In a hidden place. In the tattered human soul she has cared for and nurtured. She gives me faith. I steal a kiss. Circumstance demands it be fleeting. And how glorious it is to feel her warmth on my lips. To feel her life beneath my fingers. To feel her love inside my heart. To feel human. ---------- Susan B. cd397@torfree.net