I've traveled a long way to talk vampires with Dan Matei Agathon, Romania's minister of tourism. As I wait in his cramped anteroom with its tattered wood trim and 1960s-era vertical blinds, assistants flutter to and fro, one of them bearing boxes that look like gifts for some visiting dignitary.

removed as per the request of the Author

A collection of poetry and prose submitted to VO in 1998.

removed as per the request of the author

I saw your face in my dreams again, You washed away my tears.

I woke and remembered you were gone.

I am drowning in solitude again.

I remember the perfect way your hand fir mine, The sweet taste of your lips.

I once saw heaven in your eyes, I now see hell in his.

I am drowning in solitude again.