78 To Vladimir
There is a glue that fastens stronger than your blood.
When taken once, it draws me off your net of veins --
And if, with threads of blood, you try to tie me up,
I know you cannot be my brother. No, you can't.
There is a glue to hold the spine of crumbling things.
When taken once, it will baptize me with my name –
And if, within your eyes, you will not let me gleam,
I cannot be your glue, you cannot be my friend.
There is a glue which deadly sticks without a touch.
When taken once, it leaves on lips the aching stain --
If you can't soothe its pain without your hands and mouth,
I know you cannot be my lover. No, you can't.
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