Don Remarks: Dear Bill, This is my reaction to Kathryn's Angels a couple of days ago. I know it's long, but you have my permission to print it in Vox Pop if you so desire. A man should have a choice, don't you think?Good afternoon Kathryn,
I have just read and reread your story, and what delightful impact this seemingly simple narrative has on me! Your dialog, as it twines in and out of memory and reality, so smooth and fine like the harmonics of a sweet violin on the winds of a symphonic spring afternoon, renders me a joy and sense of profound lightness even here at the desk of my doing.
Your setting was superb indeed for my acceptance into your world. I notice how deftly you clothe it with asides of your personal history and sociology. It seems so natural and unforced, like a letter to a friend ought to be, yet seldom is. More like the letter I would die to receive, but alas have no one there of such vast spaciousness and versatility nor expanse of mind to write it.
Though you throw side bars at dumpsters and fabric, Mormons and provision, furniture and decor, plus a good bit of imagined motivational chatter from your famial member, you are with dogs. Primarily this is a doggy bit of work in here. In this you excel. You allow me to watch and to pet and to love the dogs, share your love and the little bits of stuff of which they are stuffed and made: "yarn with loose ends...." So utterly textural! One can see the bounce of wool across the ground, perhaps watch even a cat chasing it there.
Your hesitation and wonderment and then the encounter with the folks in charge of the wooly one - will it be this, or shall we see that? The mental delving into motivation...yes, dog-encounters and love and all that sorts of things. Those moments that make us shed buckets or tears of joy over these happy and loving critters who are family, sometimes more than real family can ever hope to be. At least in our heart of hearts where we dwell without hesitation because we know these are safely hidden from those who may be offended. "I love these two more that I could ever....well...that is...you and I don't really hit it off and I always get along with my dogs, don't I?" While all along you suspect they realize, at least half the time, you are indeed happier with your animals than with them.
The stories reveal that without saying so. A brilliant talent you have there, Kathryn. Like a hidden vein that surfaces from time to time quite unpredictably, and hence lends drama and tension to a most common tale, that of simply taking yourself and your two dogs out for a walk in a beautiful neighborhood.
Diane joins me now with smiles and chuckles of the rest of the story. Your reflections. Amazing! Like the woman she also frowns on the "dirty part" of the dog or cat, but soon relents, once overcome with the love you so warmly endorse in these angels of friendship, our heart's joy companion.
A super uplifting and thoroughly enjoyable piece of literature, Kathryn. In one hour or so I shall send my quite different little piece.
How different we are, and what celebration we should have from knowing that about ourselves. Blessings, Donald Grant DeMan
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