No You're Not, Adrian

Dear Juliet

I had a thought, based on your seminar in Murray...

Pretty simple, really.

No, you're not hideously ugly.

I have looked at hundreds of images of you over the years, seen you close-up, even given you the odd hug.

You are not ugly. You have wonderful cheekbones and marvellous eyes. A great figure. Nice smile, too.

First time I saw you, you looked magnificent. Nice blue dress as well.

You still do.

Thought I'd better just say that, and write it in stone.

Mind you, I did wonder whether or not you're a bit of an introvert?

And this reminded me of Adrian in Rocky. I've been looking forward to I Play Rocky, taking a bit more interest in the making of the original film, seeing a few analogies with today and remembering Adrian occasionally reminded me of you. You called yourself a wilted flower, Talia Shire described Adrian as shy, as a broken flower. There are similarities. But no one ever said a broken flower couldn't bloom, and although it's not a perfect analogy, crossing America that first time was a bit like taking on Apollo Creed. And Adrian watched Rocky taking the punishment in the ring, knowing that was what he had to do to get his self-respect. To know, for the first time in his life, that he wasn't just another bum from the neighbourhood.

It's an old-fashioned thing, but us men don't mind going out and getting beaten up and even killed, just so long as somebody who gives a damn is watching.

Or singing on the wire.

And I crossed those miles. And you were beautiful. And that's how it was.

Love,

James