J A N U A R Y 1 9 9 2 ![]() VIRGULEby Thomas Lux |
![]() (For help, see a note about the audio.) Also by Thomas Lux: Henry Clay's Mouth (1999) The Man Into Whose Yard You Should Not Hit Your Ball (1998) Torn Shades (1996) He Has Lived in Many Houses (1996) Gorgeous Surfaces (1994) Snake Lake (1984)
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What I love about this little leaning mark is how it divides without divisiveness. The left or bottom side prying that choice up or out, the right or top side pressing down upon its choice: either/or, (a little dizzy, but the Dickinson association too much like a Roman legionnaire of many campaigns), or a separatrix (reminding one of a sexual variant). No, I like virgule. I like the word may be chosen to complete the sense." There is something democratic about that, grown-up; a long and slender walking stick set against the house. Virgule: it feels good in your mouth. Virgule: you could name your son that, or your daughter Virgula. I'm sorry now I didn't think to give my daughter such a name though I doubt that she and/or her mother would share that thought. Copyright © 1992 by Thomas Lux. All rights reserved. Used by permission. Originally published in The Atlantic Monthly, January 1992. |
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