But the only value of an encyclopaedia lies in the inside, in the contents, not in what is written outside, in the binding or the wrapper. We only become worth notice by filling ourselves to overflowing with foreign customs, arts, philosophies, religions and sciences: we are wandering encyclopaedias, as an ancient Greek who had strayed into our time would probably call us. “And that discovery would betray the closely guarded secret of modern culture to the laughter of the world. “I don’t think there is any.” “We drank it all?” “Some time ago.” The room was peaceful, filled with beautiful sound. Their last night together they sat listening to music-it was Mendelssohn-like a dying composer and his wife.

He misread a number of things no one corrected him. He was tall and decaying, the pores visible in his cheeks. The judge who gave her the final decree pronounced her name wrong. All during the proceedings, they lived as they always had, as if nothing were going on. He caught the aroma of his own life passing. The fading grass, the trees, the very light made him dizzy, as if he were an invalid or starving. Viri walked, the old dog wandering behind him. It was still warm enough to sit outdoors. For Nedra, it was as if her eyes had been finally opened she saw everything, she was filled with a great, unhurried strength. The clarity of those autumn days affected them both.

Mom and me and mom maya angelou