COVE

My Dearest Friend, 

In times of turmoil, like those we are experiencing now, we could all use a little beauty in the world. Although things are beginning to look up, the pain is still fresh, and we are still reeling from the past few years. As the war-torn chapters of our lives draw to a close, I wanted to present this gift, the 1946 First Edition of the Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, to you in hopes that it will bring some semblance of joy during a time in your life when you are hurting the most.

We have both suffered unimaginable atrocities, and although our experiences are very different, as your friend, and one who knows you best, I believe we are, in many ways, the same. I feel you know me the same way I know you, and I know that when I tell you this book brought me comfort during my hardest days, and a time when I felt all hope was lost, you will believe me and know it to be true.

We share something no others can even begin to comprehend, but it's what brought us together when we needed each other most. We must think on that, and the joy and laughter we've shared, during our darkest hours. We must cherish these moments because they are what makes life worth living. Living in the moment, and appreciating the beauty in this world, is what we need to hold onto right now.

The first line in stanza XXIII says, Ah, make the most of what we yet may spend. I think about this quote often and I immediately find myself feeling better. There are moments when we've suffered, but there are also happy moments too, and if we are to get through this and heal from our wounds, we have to measure our life by the happy moments and make the most of them; the moments full of beauty, love, and treasured times. 

One of these treasured times is the character drawings we came across by Arthur Szyk. Do you remember? We found someone who was using their voice and their talents to fight against the inhuman beings who caused so many so much pain. Since then, we have followed his work with admiration. I knew right away when I opened the pages of this book who the illustrations were by. I knew I had to share the excitement I felt at that moment with the friend who would appreciate it the most. To make it even better, as I leafed through the pages of this beautiful treasure book, I fell in love with the poetry of Omar Khayyám. One stanza, stanza XXX, I found touched my soul. It reads, What, without asking, hither hurried Whence? And, without asking, Whither hurried hence! Oh, many a Cup of this forbidden Wine Must drown the memory of that insolence! The stanza is asking, hy are we here on this earth? What is the point? I certainly felt like that at times. Wondering if we really weren't meant to be here and wanted to escape our reality, this living nightmare. Now with the memories haunting us, all we want to do is find a way to drown them out. 

But then there's stanza LXXIII: Ah, Love! could thou and I with Fate conspire To grasp this sorry Scheme of Things entire, Would not we shatter it to bits—and then Re-mould it nearer to the Heart's Desire! This one reminds us that while the war may have broken our bodies and our minds, it hasn't broken our spirit and we can always create the life we desire. 

My dear friend, look through these pages, read these beautiful lines, and study the illustrious illustration created by Arthur. Let this book bring you love, peace, and joy. You are so strong, and I know that you will find your way through this wonderful life and enjoy all the happiness it has to off. 

Sincerely and forever yours,

Your Dearest Friend