Signed autograph letter, Cocteau to Francis Coulon

COCTEAU, Jean (1889–1963), Autograph Letter Signed “JC” to Francis Coulon, Milly-la-Forêt, 9 October 1961. 1 p. 4to.

A moving and intimate letter written during the final years of Cocteau’s life, addressing what he describes as an emotional misunderstanding between himself and Francis Coulon. Cocteau acknowledges his own misstep in treating Coulon with the familiarity of a “real friend”, writing in the language of habit rather than opening his “ears and heart”.

He reflects briefly on poetry as a companionship in solitude, admitting that he had viewed his poems not as living presences but as silent, habitual companions. The letter culminates in a tender reassurance: Cocteau promises that, in future, he will understand that Coulon seeks not assistance but affection.

"Mon très cher Francis Coulon

Ma faute a été de vous considéré comme un vrai ami (sic) et de parler la langue de l'habitude au lieu de vous ouvrir mes oreilles et mon coeur.
Les poèmes sont une compagnie dans ma solitude et là aussi je les envisageais non comme les présences que l'habitude rend pareilles au silence.
Ne craignez rien. La prochaine fois je saurai que vous cherchez moins une aide qu'une tendresse.
JC"