Ironic and jittery, we are puzzled by the old heroes with their fighting, boasting, and cocksure lovemaking.

A dense undergrowth of extension cords sustains my upper world of lights, music, and machines of comfort.

Asceticism and celibacy can conceal many incapacities.

I can neither return your love nor dismiss it.

I am forbidden sugar, fat, and alcohol. So hooray, I guess, for oatmeal, lemon juice, and chicken soup.

Understanding replaces imaginary fears with real ones.

If you have no power, talk about your influence. If you have power, talk about the constraints that hem you in.