*SILVER BRACELETS*

         *By GILDA LILY*

    Inspired by "LET NO MAN PUT ASUNDER",
    "RECOVERY" and "WHERE'S BENNY?"

    (Thanks to Elaine and Desi)

	Silver bracelets
	Wink in the light
	Of the sterile hospital room.
		
				
        Benny curls up beside his lover,
	Listening to him breathe,
	Thankful he's alive.

        *They won't separate us again!*

	He stifles a sob.
	He's been denied so long!
	With a shaking hand,
	He touches Ray's cheek.

	To love so much...
	How could this be wrong?

	He smiles as he sees
	The glint of silver handcuffs.
	Knowing Ray, he'll suggest
	Another use some day.
	For now, they serve their purpose.

	His eyes cloud over
	As he remembers the pain
	Of being kept from Ray's side.

	*How could they *do* this to me?*
	How could they do this to *us*?*

	But, of course,
	He knows why.
	

	*I'll keep you safe.
	Never again will I be denied
	My rightful place at your side.*   

	Blue eyes close, the weariness
	Seeping into his bones.
	He tugs gently on the cuffs,
	Smiling slightly as he drifts away.

	Silver bracelets gleam
	With the purity of love.