"A man and a woman/Are one. A man and a woman and a blackbird/Are one." (from WS's "Thirteen Ways...) In reference to "IV", essay above and poem: Or maybe intimacy is possible AND necessary across this entire range of communal relationships. Imagine the intimacy with the stranger, say on a long airplane or bus ride, in which deep, personal thoughts are shared that might not be shared with one's closer friends or family due to limits of receptivity and acceptance. The transience of the dialogue with the fleeting stranger allows a freedom from regret or from rejection by the closer community. Lovely that.

I'm with you Joan. I feel like I have been slapped in the face when I am trying to talk to someone and they look away to see who has text them. And, this isn't just young people... all age groups have succumbed to this disrespect.

Thank you for this!