The other day I was ricocheting slowly off the blue walls of this room moving as if underwater from typewriter to piano bookshelf an envelope lying on floor when found myself in L section dictionary where my eyes fell upon word lanyard. No cookie nibbled by a French novelist could send one into past more suddenly— sat at workbench camp deep Adirondack lake learning how braid long thin plastic strips lanyard gift for mother. had never seen anyone use lanyard or wear one that’s what you did with them but that not keep me crossing strand over again and until made boxy red white She gave life milk her breasts nursed many sick lifted spoons medicine lips laid cold face-cloths forehead then led out airy light taught walk swim I turn presented Here are thousands meals she said here is clothing good education. And your replied which little help counselor. breathing body beating heart strong legs bones teeth two clear read world whispered here camp. wish say now smaller gift—not worn truth can repay mother rueful admission took two-tone hand sure boy be useless worthless thing wove boredom would enough make us even.