The Fall of Hyperion (Hyperion Cantos, #2)

by Dan Simmons

Silenus returned to himself in that process of allowing the world to rush in once more, much like the return to the senses following orgasm. Only the descent of the writer to the world was more painful as he or she returned, trailing clouds of glory which quickly dissipated in the mundane flow of sensory trivia.

when all else is dust—loyalty to those we love is all we can carry with us to the grave. Faith—true faith—was trusting in that love.

“Sometimes,” said General Morpurgo, taking her hand, “dreams are all that separate us from the machines.”