Between the ages of 8 and 12 it was difficult to know what my father was saying, and he moved very slowly, and then he died.
Colm ToibinI did think of becoming a priest quite late on, when other boys were thinking of knocking over fences and going out with girls. I would have made a very good bishop: nice housekeeper, nice clothes - god, the clothes.
Colm ToibinI suppose one should have an integrated personality, but I've never really seen the point.
Colm ToibinI do not know why it matters that I should tell the truth to myself at night, why it should matter that the truth should be spoken at least once in the world. Because the world is a place of silence, the sky at night when the birds have gone is a vast silent place. Words will make the slightest difference to the sky at night. They will not brighten it or make it less strange. And the day too has its own deep indifference to anything that is said.
Colm Toibin