If we believe that humanity may transcend tooth and claw, if we believe divers races & creeds can share this world as peaceably as the orphans share their candlenut tree, if we believe leaders must be just, violence muzzled, power accountable & the riches of the Earth & its Oceans shared equitably, such a world will come to pass.

In the 1970s and 1980s there was so little decent fiction for young people, but we're now in a golden age that shows no sign of fading. Philip Pullman, J. K. Rowling, Lemony Snicket are only three of the best known among a good number of equals.

But no, we cross, crisscross, and recross our old tracks like figure skaters.

I’m scared of the future. I’m scared of the past. I’m nervous at the moment.

Truth is singular. Its 'versions' are mistruths.

Right, my phone. When these things first appeared, they were so cool. Only when it was too late did people realize they are as cool as electronic tags on remand prisoners.

Autumn is leaving its mellowness behind for its spiky, rotted stage. Don't remember summer even saying goodbye.