Bashō witnesses a butterfly with resplendent, patterned wings hovering over an orchid.

Can wisdom be summed up? Made into a brief but elegant legacy?

...I spend considerable time trying to explain my relevance, even when talking about my own life.

The problem lies in giving an audience more of the same. Imagine being presented with melon and more melon as choices for dessert.

When I think about broken relationships, I find that my imagination’s particular cruelty lies in giving me ideal versions of those I’ve loved.