Cut and Thirst

by Margaret Atwood

It eases one’s path through the tangled woods of life to be adorable, though there is of course a downside: men think you’re a pushover.

“No wonder people were afraid of old women, back in the witch-barbecue days,” says Myrna. “They’ve spent a lifetime festering.”

“There is no past. Or at least, not until you deal with stuff.”

“It’s an old debate. Should art be good art, or art that’s good for you? Once the question gets raised, next thing you know they’re banning books in libraries.”