Our ability to measure and apportion time affords an almost endless source of comfort.
Richard YatesKnow what we did, Lucy? You and me? We spent our whole lives yearning. Isn't that the God damndest thing?
Richard YatesIf my work has a theme, I suspect it is a simple one: that most human beings are inescapably alone, and therein lies their tragedy.
Richard YatesHe found it so easy and so pleasant to cry that he didnโt try to stop for a while, until he realized he was forcing his sobs a little, exaggerating their depth with unnecessary shudders. โฆ The whole point of crying is to quit before you coined it up. The whole point of grief itself was to cut it out while it was still honest, while it still meant something. Because the thing was so easily corrupted
Richard Yates