November 3, 2001
Happy Birthday, Bassim

The Bargain

My true love hath my heart, an I have his,
By just exchange one for another given:
I hold his dear, and mine he cannot miss,
There never was a better bargain driven:

My true love hath my heart, and I have his.
His heart in me keeps him and me in one,
My heart in him his thoughts and senses guides:
He loves my heart, for once it was his own, 

I cherish his because in me it bides:
My true love hath my heart and I have his.

~Sir Phillip Sidney, 1554-1586

The bargain we made
all those man years ago
still stands.
You have my heart, Bassim
and I have yours.

A better bargain was never forged.