WEBVTT

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This is called "The
Resignation Letter".

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There's a lot of
clams in the reading.

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This clam doesn't have
the slightest idea

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what's about to hit.

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Well, maybe it does,
but it approaches life

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with bemused but
calm detachment.

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And therefore death
is no big deal,

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not to be avoided or
bewailed, even by avoiding.

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Now, there is a
grace and resignation

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as there is a growing
sweetness in this clam.

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The delivery man rings the
second time and turns away.

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The bee bounces twice
against the florist window

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then bumbles on.

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Baby quiets by
getting what he wants.

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Rain moves out to sea.

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Lava gobbles up the village.

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Villagers ox cart to
another island sector

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just as the old ones did
as part of their cosmology.

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Past and future seemingly
resigned to simultaneously.

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The lovers agree to see no
more each other, leaving

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behind drinks undrunk
and twisted napkins.

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The student moves
to the next line

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leaving the previous unfilled.

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So much life we can not
have or find or repeat

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that so much we had and found.

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I've made this mistake
100 times, one thinks.

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Preparing to make it again.

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One day I'll get rid of these
expensive, painful shoes,

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but not now, says another,
scanning in the closet.

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Some things must
resign themselves

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to becoming something
else, champagne flat,

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the burning log ash.

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After the crash the
runner walks with a cane,

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but some must expect
they'll never change.

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Stained tablecloth
never unstained.

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Mark permanent on the heart.

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You pick up a club to
throw in the coffin lid

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but can't, so turn away
dropping it in your pocket.

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Thank you.

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