The Mexican War was a training ground for generals, so that when the sad self-murders settled on us, the leaders knew the techniques for making it properly horrible.

A writer lives in awe of words, for they can be cruel or kind, and they can change their meanings right in front of you. They pick up flavors and odors like butter in a refrigerator.

Socialism never took root in America.

Well, I never seen one guy take so much trouble for another guy. I just like to know what your interest is.

for how can you remember the feel of pleasure or pain or choking emotion? You can remember only that you had them.

Four hoarse blasts of a ship's whistle still raise the hair on my neck and set my feet to tapping.

Evening of a hot day started the little wind to moving among the leaves. The shade climbed up the hills toward the top. On the sand banks the rabbits sat as quietly as little gray, sculptured stones.