Thrift is an attractive idea until you get down to specifics.

Joy goes as deep as sorrow, but leaves less of itself behind.

The madness of love can always be suspended--to cook dinner or catch a plane, for instance.

Old photograph: amid the set poses of her family, a young girl smiles and raises her hand a little.

Pain narrows consciousness; pleasure blurs it.

The ninety percent of human experience that does not fit into established narrative patterns falls into oblivion.

Critic's delight: scolding the Mighty Dead.