Wonder is the heaviest element on the periodic table. Even a tiny fleck of it stops time.

Hurricane season brings a humbling reminder that, despite our technologies, most of nature remains unpredictable.

What a lonely species we are, searching for signals of life from other galaxies, adopting companion animals, visiting parks and zoos to commune with other beasts. In the process, we discover our shared identity.

Our relationship with nature has changed radically, irreversibly, but by no means all for the bad. Our new epoch is laced with invention. Our mistakes are legion, but our talent is immeasurable.

Smell is the mute sense, the one without words.

Love is the best school, but the tuition is high and the homework can be painful.

We would lie on coral sand, below sugary stars, watching Cassiopeia mount her throne and the Great Bear wash its paws in the South. I would say, "I have a secret to tell you." And, folding me in your arms, boyish and sly, you would answer: "Whisper it into my mouth.