Elinor Nauen

Language is the main instrument of man's refusal to accept the world as it is. 

~ George Steiner

Also the main instrument of being in the world at all. 

On February 5, I wrote that two authors, Ward Just & George Steiner, died while I was reading their books. It happened again - Eavan Boland died on Monday, the same day I finished her book about being/becoming a poet. I never loved her work but I'm sorry I killed her. 

I once randomly mentioned to Johnny that Kitty Wells had been married for something like 75 years, & her husband's obituary showed up that day. 

I was reading The Translator last month when its author, Ward Just, died. 

I was reading After Babel this month when its author, George Steiner, died. 

Anyone want to pay me not to read their book?