From Gloria to Henry

Perhaps the greatest discovery in the literary community in the last decade is the uncovering of the private communications between Gloria Steinem and Henry Miller. Two literary titans, what could surface? Enmity? Syllogism? Love???
Allow us to peer at the early contact.

To Miss S,
Perhaps I am more body than mind, but does not the mind control the body? The bitter, worldly compensations for your touch delight me no longer. Please let us walk and drink in one another’s irrepressible essence, in auditory respect first, then, by grace of humanity, may this lead to olfactory and tactile understanding. I can only hope to be yours.

Henry.

Dear Sirs,
I can be little other than bemused at your vulgar request. If the apex of manhood is defined by the animalistic, then one must be foolish to so much as contemplate egalitarian existence. I will reflect no longer at what both sanity and mercy would deem a forgettable, satirical musing.

Sincerely,
G. S.

To my withholding would-be muse,
Please allow me to clarify; my belief is not to dominate you with my maleness, but to explore the universality of humanity. What could be more unifying than mutual experience of the vestigial shiver accompanying fresh nudeness? I can do little else but offer my person in every capacity. I consider this to be an eminently respectful gesture, and while these things can only be appropriately judged by the recipient and beholder of the offer, I would be grateful for any consideration within your sensibility, as we are both human.

Henry.

Dear Sirs,
Your response is both unnecessary and elucidatory. To refer to me as a potential muse is erroneous, for you have done little else but provide further grounding for the proverbial good fight. For this I can only offer ironic gratitude. Beyond this, however, your efforts would best be directed toward a person whose hedonism clouds purpose. To use humanity as a justification for its own baser facets does a disservice to all involved. Despite my better judgment, I am curious as to how a person such as you would pursue, given a complete inability to succeed.

Sincerely,
G. S.

From One Human to Another,
I think it’s very important that we meet in person. Your excoriation of my apparently lewd homeostasis does more to intrigue my completely intellectual curiosities than could any seminar on any topic. I cannot be more than who I am, but can make myself more than what I am. I can only be in your debt for any future contact.

Henry.

Dear Sirs,
I am not impressed. However, you speak well. I wish to see your worst, though I can’t imagine you could muster better. I can only be certain I will excoriate myself for any action beyond outward dismissal. For the record, the only emotion currently aroused in me is disgust.

Sincerely,
G. S.

Please check back for future entries of this sordid serial.