Erasure

by Percival Everett

When I was done, there was a tentative smattering of applause and then a nerve-dulling silence while people tried to figure if they were offended and why.

A metaphor cannot be paraphrased.

When traveling, it is best to eat without regard to health or one might not eat at all.

was also troubled by the word commit. One commits murder or suicide, permanent things.

ask that grief not push us to the irrational belief in some god. We do not need to believe that Father has gone on to the good light. He told me often that he was not afraid of the dark. Neither am I. And neither are you.”

For all the aggravation a trout can cause, it cannot think and does not consider you. A trout is very much like truth; it does what it wants, what it has to.

Thelonious and Monk and Stagg Leigh made the trip to New York together, on the same flight and, sadly, in the same seat.