French Exit

French Exit

Malcolm was yet in his suite. He was speaking to Susan on the phone. “Let’s eat food, for lunch,” she said. “Can’t do that.” “Let’s drink a drink in a bar.” “No.” Recalling certain past behaviors, she deduced he was in the grips of the hotel unwellness. In a patient...
Dust of Snow

Dust of Snow

The way a crow Shook down on me The dust of snow From a hemlock tree Has given my heart A change of mood And saved some part Of a day I had rued. And now you could read... Beautiful Snow The Book Thief The Overstory Station Eleven Homesick for Another World The Happy...
Delta of Venus

Delta of Venus

Dear Collector: We hate you. Sex loses all its power and magic when it becomes explicit, mechanical, overdone, when it becomes a mechanistic obsession. It becomes a bore. You have taught us more than anyone I know how wrong it is not to mix it with emotion, hunger,...
Amaryllis Night And Day

Amaryllis Night And Day

I’ve already gone into our conversation about my bird-women. That took place a few months after I asked her to move in with me and she said no. As I think of it now I know we’d have driven each other crazy but at the time her refusal shook me and I had to...
The Letter Of The God Of Love

The Letter Of The God Of Love

Those who plead their cause in the absence of an opponent can invent to their heart’s content, can pontificate without taking into account the opposite point of view and keep the best arguments for themselves, for aggressors are always quick to attack those who...