Many, if not most, countries blithely expect their citizens to have carte blanche access to the U.S., "land of immigrants," as a veritable human right, but put up all manner of barriers to Americans who want to emigrate in the opposite direction.

Built like an oak tree, against which I could pitch my pillow and read; mornings, I could curl into the crook of your branches.

Only a country that feels invulnerable can afford political turmoil as entertainment.

Half an ear cocked, something in me, all night, every night, is waiting for you to come home.

Got nothing to do with trying. You like someone, or you don't. If you're 'trying', you don't.

Not that happiness is dull. Only that it doesn't tell well. And of our consuming diversions as we age is to recite, not only to others but to ourselves, our own story.

When you've been afraid of something for long enough and it comes to pass, the terrible thing is a release. For in the belly of the badness there is no more fear.