I’ll say I love you, which will lead, of course, to disappointment, but those words unsaid poison every next moment. I will try to disappoint you better than anyone ever has. — Stephen Dunn, from “Mon Semblable,” Different Hours. (W. W. Norton & Company; 1St Edition edition January 17, 2002) Originally published 2000.
Years ago, when I was rotten with virtue, I believed loveliness was just a face, a flower, no underside to it, no dark complication. — Stephen Dunn, from “Loveliness,” New & Selected Poems 1974-1994. (W W Norton & Co Inc; 1st edition April 1994)
love is turning out the lights when others do, a curfew we would take for sails. ― Jorie Graham, from “Flooding,” Hybrids of Plants and of Ghosts. (Princeton University Press; First Edition edition June 1, 1980)
Mon Semblable No man has ever dared to describe himself as he truly is. —Albert Camus I like things my way Every chance I get. A limit doesn’t exist When it comes to that. But please, don’t confuse What I say with honesty. Isn’t honesty the open yawn The unimaginable love More than truth?… Continue reading Stephen Dunn
Altruism is for those who can’t endure their desires. ― Stephen Dunn, from “Mon Semblable,” Different Hours
The Vale of Soul-Making 