IF YOU CAN DREAM ...
The Tholian incident had taken its toll on Spock. The relief and happiness he had experienced when he had finally pulled Kirk back had, of course, to be hidden from observant Human eyes, but McCoy had noticed - noticed too the unaccustomed stoop to the shoulders and normally poker-straight back of the Vulcan, and had ordered him to his cabin to rest. His duty shift over, his Captain also resting after his ordeal, and the status quo returned, Spock gave over command of the ship to Mr Scott and made his way to his cabin.
The door swished closed behind him. Mentally and physically exhausted, he slumped onto the chair of his desk. His eyes rested on the papers lying there and noticed an unopened envelope lying in the centre and on top of the pile. He recognised immediately who it was from - his mother's handwriting was on the IDIC-embossed envelope. It was most unusual for old-fashioned letters to be sent, instead of being sent electronically, and Spock knew that it was a very personal message which it contained. His long fingers turned and turned the envelope around then, with one swift movement, he opened it. The letter read:-
My Dear Son,
I hope all is well with you, as it is with your father and myself. We were pleased to meet Captain Kirk again during your last leave, and to see how good a friendship you have found with him.
I know you've read some of our Earth poetry in your studies, but I came across the enclosed poem, written by an anonymous 20th Century poet, in a book I read recently. it struck a chord in me and I thought it may, my unemotional Vulcan son, mean something to you, too - if not now, then down the years. It may help you to understand more fully your emotional Human friends, and how you may react to them.
I send you my love, Spock.
AMANDA, WIFE OF SAREK.
Spock unfolded the other piece of paper, and read:-
| If you can dream, then in the dreaming |
| You may dream a wish come true; |
| When you fulfill that dream worth dreaming, |
| That joy will ever be with you. |
| If you can hope, then in the hoping, |
| Your hope will shine like guiding light; |
| And whilst you live, that hope worth hoping |
| Will help you through the darkest night. |
| If you can love, then in the loving, |
| Hope and dreams and joy fulfill, |
| Then whilst you care, always be loving |
| And happiness your cup will fill. |
| If you must leave, and in the leaving |
| Sad feelings from you overflow; |
| When you must part, then in the leaving |
| To your friends your sadness show. |
| When you must die, and in the dying |
| There is no time to say goodbyes; |
| When your time comes, with dignity dying, |
| Let your love show in your eyes. |
Slowly, Spock folded the piece of paper, placed it carefully in his desk. Then, laying his head on his hands, in the privacy of his cabin, the weary Vulcan allowed the tears to fall.