“It was terrible when a single conversation with someone determined your whole future relationship.”

“You will no longer pick this sage that flavors your whole life.”

“When they say Don't I know you? say no.When they invite you to the partyremember what parties are likebefore answering.Someone telling you in a loud voicethey once wrote a poem.Greasy sausage balls on a paper plate.Then reply.If they say we should get together.say why? It's not that you don't love them any more.You're trying to remember somethingtoo important to forget.Trees.The monastery bell at twilight.Tell them you have a new project.It will never be finished. When someone recognizes you in a grocery storenod briefly and become a cabbage.When someone you haven't seen in ten yearsappears at the door,don't start singing him all your new songs.You will never catch up.Walk around feeling like a leaf. Know you could tumble any second.Then decide what to do with your time.”

“Maybe when your mother died young, you became instantly old.”

“When allowed to return to the class, your feelings of humility and lonesomeness will render you a much finer student and person.”

“Before you know what kindness really is you must lose things, feel the future dissolve in a moment like salt in a weakened broth.”

“I want to be someone making music/with my coming.”