The aphorism: a platitude that swerves, or slides all the way around.
The perfect aphorism would achieve classical balance and then immediately upset it.
The winner gives up his chance to be a good sport.
The past is always waiting to entangle and deflect us.
The etiquette of romantic love is as elaborate as that surrounding the Emperor of China.
Magic trick: to make people disappear, ask them to fulfill their promises.