To Marta

Oh Marta, my Marta. Today is nothing without you.

I first saw you in a photograph smiling, your luscious hair of gold shining in sunlight. On that day, I bought a boarding pass to Moscow. Holding you, I was young again, kissing you was my libation. With two rings and an ivory gown, I had to marry you right away. As I took you back to my mansion, I had to grant you all I had. Anything for you, my Marta. Anything so you say you savor this passion too.

I was a rich man, Marta, and you did know it. Cars, diamonds, pricy clothing, cash—if you said it, I would obtain it just for you. Many would doubt our union, but I said “You do not know what joy my Marta brings”. At night, you would lay with my aging body so I would stay warm. I did not ask much, I don’t think. By morning you would go off to do as you wish and I did not mind, as long as you would sup with your old husband. You had it all, and as long as I had you, so did I.

I know I was no strong man, no young buck. I could not last for you, though I would constantly try. You did not want your husband, with his frail body. Your paramours can satisfy you, darling, but can your suitors hand you all that I will? Until my dying day (which is not so far away), I was yours, Marta. No man but I would say that. Upon my burial, all I had was yours. My kids cannot justify having a dollar.

Now, I am falling ill and I am stuck in this isolation. I was just told that you caught a flight back without a parting kiss. Oh, Marta, how could you commit an act so hurtful? I am soft for you, Marta, but I cannot stand for this (although I can hardly stand at all). I am blotting your autograph out of my will. Laws stand not with you, but with your poor old husband. You had so much, my darling, but you cast it away. Such a small cost for so much, but you could not wait, and now, you will obtain nothing. I am sorry it had to finish this way, Marta. I still think of you fondly, and I pray you find a joy that you could not with this old, sad man.

I must ask though, my Marta: was Russia so kind to you as I?

A/N: This was my entry for the YWS Olympics Event where we could not use the letter E. The "prequel" is posted here:

http://www.youngwriterssociety.com/work.php?id=108871