Essay | On Saturday I spoke at my college commencement, wearing these
snakeskin heels that reminded me of the foot bindings that slowly
broke the bones in the feet of Chinese women. But the speaking, and
even the walking in…
Education |
A few nights ago, during my last undergraduate class ever, the
clock’s hands moved like a twitchy mustache. I couldn’t decide what
to do with my legs.
Faith & Inspiration |
In the downstairs of a dirty, smoke-filled house I once heard this
wedding toast from a man I will call “Harvey.” Serving as the best
man in his…
Education |
An old roommate told me that if one walks late into a conversation,
one should listen for 15 minutes before speaking. The principle
serves as a good metaphor…
Essay |
College taught me to lust after newspapers. At college I live
inside four brick walls with many books. Newspapers come, very
notably, from outside. The other…
Faith & Inspiration |
“I used to have heroes, but God kept cutting their legs off.” I
forget who said this. I heard it once on the radio. Maybe like me
you came of age in a…
Faith & Inspiration |
After seven solid days of sickness, I got a bottle of pink medicine
from the clinic doctor and his Russian nurse. The nurse wears shoes
as big as alligators.
Culture |
Last week my boyfriend Jonathan and I forked over $6 apiece for a
copy of Stephen Chbosky’s
The Perks of Being a Wallflower
. It was our second joint purchase…
Essay |
This spring break I bring a passel of three friends home with me,
to see my sights. Even on spring break my friends sit at the
breakfast table declining Greek…
Art |
Conversation is a vague art. Why, sometimes, does it come so easy
and taste so good? Why, other times, does it fizzle out into
remarks about the weather? Last…
Faith & Inspiration |
After my first heartbreak ever, I drove my purple pickup truck
across the New York countryside listening to Canadian sermons about
suffering. On dusty trips…
Religion |
I don’t always read Roman Catholic books, but when I do, I read
them on the Baptist bus. And when I do it, I think about suitcases.
A friend recommended
Lead…