Great art always transcends its culture, while lesser art merely reflects it.

As the skipping rope hit the pavement, so did the ball. As the rope curved over the head of the jumping child, the child with the ball caught the ball. Down came the ropes. Down came the balls. Over and over again. Up. Down. All in rhythm. All identical. Like the houses. Like the paths. Like the flowers

Severe illness isolates those in close contact with it, because it inevitably narrows the focus of concern. To a certain extent this can lead to healing, but not if the circle of concern is so tight that it cannot be broken into, or out of.

Are anybody's parents typical?

Yes! I dare disturb the universe.

It was the same way with silence. This was more than silence. A deaf person can feel vibrations. Here there was nothing to feel.

You don't want him for a reason. You want him because he's your father.