We ogle plants and animals up close on television, the Internet and in the movies. We may not worship the animals we see, but we still regard them as necessary physical and spiritual companions. Technological nature can't completely satisfy that yearning.

It began in mystery, and it will end in mystery, but what a savage and beautiful country lies in between.

I hate the fearful trimming of possibilities that age brings.

Words are small shapes in the gorgeous chaos of the world.

Violets smell like burnt sugar cubes that have been dipped in lemon and velvet.

Flight is nothing but an attitude in motion.

My mother always said I must be part Mongolian because of my lotus-pale complexion and squid-ink black hair.