A real writer learns from earlier writers the way a boy learns from an apple orchard - by stealing what he has a taste for, and can carry off.

My favorite six letter word is always
because it promises so much.

My favorite five letter word is never
because it insists on contradicting the promise.

My favorite four letter word is once
because it says it happened then.

My favorite three letter word is yes
because I’m just now learning to say it to my heart.

My favorite two letter word is if
because it makes all things possible
like this:

If not always
If not never
Then once.

Yes.

Unexpected intrusions of beauty. That is what life is. (Herzog)