Love poem for Gordon Copeland, typed and handwritten drafts, dated 9 July 1965 (over 30 years before Gordon's passing).

Love poem for Gordon Copeland, typed and handwritten drafts, dated 9 July 1965 (over 30 years before Gordon's passing).

July 9, 1965

This item includes 2 pieces of paper: one, a draft of the poem typed on a typewriter with handwritten edits, and the second, a handwritten version of the poem (probably an earlier draft) on lined composition book paper. Both versions are dated 9 July 1965. The poem has five stanzas, each beginning with "I love you Gordon," and also ends with this phrase again. The archivists assume this poem was written by Charles for his partner Gordon Copeland.

most likely Charles Shively

8"x11"

paper

[the typed version]

I love you Gordon
like clouds of form
brightening mornings
smoothing evenings
sleeping the night with force

I love you Gordon
tearing brackets
from bracelets
shackles cracking
freezing ices
in our drinks

I love you Gordon
therein beauty bears
is born into
my shifting body--
Is this me mine you?

I love you Gordon
["crossed out:
at oars equality
pulls the earths and heavens
a hard ride
to peace
in the maced lining of
an ocean liner turbine"]

I love you Gordon
I am rich
pious firm
in your possession
a having found
home whore

I love you Gordon
your law of gravity
is grave to me
a serious hope
plastering challenges
to love
to bear faith
in time
to love you
I love you Gordon.