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Loving Strangers

Reading "Unclaimed" by Seth after a long time, got me thinking how he would eulogize the day after - when strangers part in body and spirit after their torrid encounter ?

How would he describe the immense emptiness that follows from making love without being in love. When after innumerable "strangers" faces, voices and personalities fade to oblivion despite two bodies having known each other so intimately - even if briefly.

While beautifully written, I can't agree with Seth's premise. Then there is the more utilitarian, prosaic world view from those who have been there and done that.

Unclaimed - Vikram Seth

To make love with a stranger is the best.
There is no riddle and there is no test. --

To lie and love, not aching to make sense
Of this night in the mesh of reference.

To touch, unclaimed by fear of imminent day,
And understand, as only strangers may.

To feel the beat of foreign heart to heart
Preferring neither to prolong nor part.

To rest within the unknown arms and know
That this is all there is; that this is so.

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