"What do you mean?" I began, irritably. I seem to be in a continual state of annoyance these days, Diary.
But he had gone, and all the way downstairs I could hear him chuckling.
Even my succeeding little thanksgiving talk with Father failed to put me in a good humor again.
But if I am cured, Diary, won't I make them _all_ "sit up!"
Yours-willing-to-be-penitent-if-necessary RICHARD WARREN
Certainly not! But when one is slowly and forcibly being resurrected, one has little time for letter writing. Shall I tell you the program which has been laid out for me? But first of all, I must tell you that I am actually able to sit up for a few moments each day. And after I grow stronger and more daring, a chair is to be substituted for my bed, and then a wheel chair; and maybe after that a real live automobile! And finally, so I have been promised, I am to learn to walk! Fancy being such a baby! But this very morning, the Biggest, most Expensive, Busiest Specialist in the country--who knew me eleven years ago when he was not quite so big or expensive or busy--came to our little house, and after a prolonged Examination told us that there was no reason on earth why I should not recover wholly and absolutely. It will take time, he said, but it is certain. And I need undergo no knife, or painful treatment. I am only to mind, and not be in too great a hurry.
I feel as if, link by link, the fetters were falling. I hardly dare think ahead--to the day when the great round world shall be mine again. To the day when I shall go to all the places I only know from books and pictures. I want to go to the theatre. I want to see a horse race! I want to sail in a boat! And I want to walk and walk and walk! And, Poet, I want to fly!
I must never be very athletic, they say. Probably I shall never ride or skate, or even drive a car! I don't know--it doesn't matter, of course. But I do hope that I may dance! I've dreamed of dancing. You know, in my dreams, I am always strong and well.
You are happy with me and for me, I am sure. And sometimes I think that your letters and your friendship have given me courage and faith which otherwise I should not have had. It must be a beautiful world, and life must be a wonderful thing, if poets can live and make us see beauty through their clear eyes.