Matrix

by Lauren Groff

Her faith had twisted very early in her childhood; it would slowly grow ever more bent into its geometry until it was its own angular, majestic thing.

Perhaps the song of a bird in a chamber is more precious than the wild bird’s because the chamber itself makes it so. Perhaps the free air that gives the wild bird its better song in fact limits the reach of its prayer. So small, this understanding. So remarkably tiny. Still, it might be enough to live for.

For it is a deep and human truth that most souls upon the earth are not at ease unless they find themselves safe in the hands of a force far greater than themselves.

Women in this world are vulnerable; only reputation can keep them from being crushed.

Animals are closer to god, of course; this is because animals have no need of god.

Without the first matrix, there could be no salvatrix, the greatest matrix of all.

Open your hands and let your life go. It has never been yours to do with what you will.