Ode to Vanessa Zylinski (sister of Walter, returned to Buenos Aires Feb. 24, 2001 Sonnet) Vanessa you are born of noble seed, The gene that dances through each generation. O Argentinienne, may angels speed Your swift revisit to our grateful nation. I gather that you'll study medicine In that fair city where the sun inverts. Impute not then, I pray, this phrase as sin: "Vanessa, let me tell you where it hurts." Permit me too with healing touch to ease: That you may learn to love my darkened fronds. I've diagnosed your desperate disease And that, my dear's, your preference for blonds! Around the world, your loveliness enthralls To ache for you in our milonga balls. February 2001