A Final Adieu from Léonce to Edna

                                    Dear Edna, My beloved,

As I sit here trying to ponder stocks and finance,

My mind will only think of shattered romance;

And I must ask myself why? must ask myself who am I?

that my wife whom I loved so dearly would commit suicide?

I loved you with all my heart… Alas, I still do…

But in the past months you just weren’t the same you…

My love, oh my love, what weighted your soul,

That you would not come inside but suffer the cold?

I admit sometimes to anger I was too fast,

but now it’s all part of an unchangeable past…

Sometimes I cared more for our image than for your desires,

and only now do I realize that’s less than love requires…

Because I cared for you I went to seek Doctor Mandelet’s advice,

but he could not give me an answer suitably precise.

He told me that the fickle mood would pass… And so I did what the doctor said…

I left and gave you freedom, but alas… Now my greatest treasure is dead.

Many times for the children I accused you of neglect,

and I was only trying to be a father and protect…

I gave you freedom, money, gifts, and all the care I possessed,

in your comfort and security I sought to invest.

I was depressed alongside you at Robert’s departing;

But it seems your depression was just starting…

What was I so blind as to not see?

What caused you to move from a house of luxury?

I recall the first time you swam well into the sea;

Upon returning you professed your fear to me.

“You were not so very far, my dear; I was watching you”

All the times I was not there for you I want to undo,

I desperately wish that we could begin anew,

but it is over, it is done, I have lost you,

and so I bid you a final adieu my love, adieu.

                                                                               Farewell,

                                                                                                    Léonce Pontellier