It is true that the present is powerfully shaped by the past. But it is also true that ... insight at any age keeps us from singing the same sad songs again.
Judith Viorst[On writing her first poem at age eight:] An ode to my dead mother and father, who were both alive and pretty pissed off.
Judith ViorstCraving that old sweet oneness yet dreading engulfment, wishing to be our mother's and yet be our own, we stormily swing from mood to mood, advancing and retreating-the quintessential model of two-mindedness.
Judith ViorstWhen he is late for dinner and I know he must be either having an affair or lying dead in the street, I always hope he's dead.
Judith ViorstJust as children, step by step, must separate from their parents, we will have to separate from them. And we will probably suffer...from some degree of separation anxiety: because separation ends sweet symbiosis. Because separation reduces our power and control. Because separation makes us feel less needed, less important. And because separation exposes our children to danger.
Judith Viorst