Some cities have fallen into ruin and some are built upon ruins but others contain their own ruins while still growing.

The humming of my parents' voices from behind my bedroom wall, which throughout my childhood had filled me with a sense of security, had now become a source of anxiety and panic.

I saw the movie, he said. I know what it's about. Listen to this. When girls get to be about twelve or so - he leaned toward us - their tits bleed.

We listened to them, but it was clear they'd received too much therapy to know the truth.

So do boys and men announce their intentions. They cover you like a sarcophagus lid. And call it love.

She was a large, disordered woman, like a child's drawing that didn't stay within the lines.

All wisdom ends in paradox.