Montreal, 25 October 1963

Autograph letter signed (“Leonard”) to Marianne Ihlen ("Darling"), Montreal, 25 October 1963.

Two pages, 245 x 190mm, aerogram.

"You know who I am": writing from 599 Belmont Avenue on the heels of a heated lovers' quarrel. “Darling, that telephone conversation was horrible. It was filled with lies and fears." He is jealous at her vague mention of "a friend" and old tensions arise as he shies from conventional commitment: "You know me darling, you know what I am. I don’t give out guarantees. I only know that I wanted to see you, just as I have wanted to be close to you ever since we first met. But when I put down the phone I had such doubts, I felt the old chains of demands that is was not in my nature to fulfill.” Cohen's agitation is palpable in the letter; his hand and signature feel rushed, and absentminded notes and scribbles fill the margins.

Despite everything he tells her, "If you want to come here I will take care of you and kiss you all the time. I want you in the way you want yourself to be wanted. This is all a little incoherent, but I hope, I believe, that you know what I am. Write me. All my love, Leonard.”

By descent from Marianne Ihlen.