The still point of the turning world.

  “ I regard monks and poets as the best degenerates in America. Both have a finely developed sense of the sacred potential in all things; both value image and symbol over utilitarian purpose or the bottom line; they recognize the transformative power hiding in the simplest things, and it leads them to commit absurd acts: the poem! the prayer! what nonsense! In a culture that excels at creating artificial, tightly controlled environments (shopping malls, amusement parks, chain motels), the art of monks and poets is useless, if not irresponsible, remaining out of reach of commercial manipulation and ideological justification.”  – Kathleen Norris , The Cloister Walk

  The Walrus and the Carpenter       "Were walking close at hand; They wept like anything to see       Such quantities of sand: If this were only cleared away,'       They said, it  would  be grand!' If seven maids with seven mops       Swept it for half a year, Do you suppose,' the Walrus said,       That they could get it clear?' I doubt it,' said the Carpenter,       And shed a bitter tear ."

To me the meanest flower that blows can give Thoughts that do often lie too deep for tears.

  After a good dinner one can forgive anybody, even one's own relations.   A Woman of No Importance   by  Oscar Wilde