there is something appalling about the idea of a secular bible,
as if we were that poor relative from the provinces, skilfully
imitating metropolitan customs yet somehow not quite right.
and still, i wanted to know, so i fabricated that unassuming
disposition of mine, but as i was looking for the right words,
i forgot what it was for, like the other day, when i ate a pear,
delicious and seedless.
hidden pilcrow 