When Jay called out this piece, I was delighted because it's one of my favorite pieces of your writing, Mary, a wonderful way to start a story. For me it recalled the burning of Christmas Trees that our church did when we were small. As I remember it, the flames were twenty feet high. There is a deep magic in fire, a hypnosis. I think this piece gets at it. But, for me, it is mostly the last paragraph that stands out, the misery of a bad marriage, the daily habits that flow around and over. I'm so glad we could feature you, Mary.
When Jay called out this piece, I was delighted because it's one of my favorite pieces of your writing, Mary, a wonderful way to start a story. For me it recalled the burning of Christmas Trees that our church did when we were small. As I remember it, the flames were twenty feet high. There is a deep magic in fire, a hypnosis. I think this piece gets at it. But, for me, it is mostly the last paragraph that stands out, the misery of a bad marriage, the daily habits that flow around and over. I'm so glad we could feature you, Mary.
As Jay perfectly points out, “what I value in prose or poetry above all else: a distinct voice you want to keep hearing.” And Mary is 100000% THIS.
It's really everything, isn't it?
That is so kind, Kimberly.
Such beautiful words, even better the second time around.
Ah, Jeffrey, loyal reader and brilliant essayist, thank you.