To Renee: From Max, A Masque

by Christine Bayeux

Your replies are so short,
But always contain a question
Curiosity,
Or a pitiful effort to maintain
Correspondence?

Why if you say no
Do you still say anything at all?
If you maintain no,
Then why do you still
Write?

I know what you want,
But do you?
You must,
If not, then
Stop.