When oxygen and sulphur dioxide are mixed in the presence of a filiament of platinum, they form sulphurous acid. This combination takes place only if the platinum is present; nevertheless the newly formed acid contains no trace of platinum, and the platinum itself is apparently unaffected: has remained inert, neutral, and unchanged. The mind of the poet is the shred of platinum.

I should have been a pair of ragged claws/ Scuttling across the floors of silent seas.

After such knowledge, what forgiveness?

The purpose of literature is to turn blood into ink.

That meddling in other people's affairs...formerly conducted by the most discreet intrigue is now openly advocated under the name of intervention.

What we know of other people's only our memory of the moments during which we knew them.

Sand. Everywhere. In the bed, in the shower, all over the floor. Grrrrr.