An Imaginary Conversation in Which I Triumph Totally

As opposed to “an actual conversation,” here’s one I wish I could have.  With any number of writers. ME: I enjoyed your new novel, but there was one part that puzzled me. HIM: What was that? ME: The part about the squidlike alien beings who were fans of Sonic Youth.  I mean, the book’s set in the far future— how did Sonic Youth get into the picture? HIM: Oh that?  That’s satire. ME: Satire?  Of what? HIM: Well, you know . . . satire. ME: But what are you satirizing, exactly?  Sonic Youth?  So...