I attempt all day, at work, not to think about what lies ahead, but this costs me so much effort that there is nothing left for my work. I handle telephone calls so badly that after a while the switchboard operator refuses to connect me. So I had better say to myself, Go ahead and polish the silverware beautifully, then lay it out ready on the sideboard and be done with it. Because I polish it in my mind all day longโthis is what torments me (and doesn't clean the silver).
Lydia DavisI'm used to rereading e-mails, even, before sending them - a bit compulsive. So this is high speed roller coaster for me!
Lydia DavisNo one is calling me. I canโt check the answering machine because I have been here all this time. If I go out, someone may call while Iโm out. Then I can check the answering machine when I come back in.
Lydia DavisI don't feel I have to struggle against allegory. I let the readers do the interpreting.
Lydia Davis