Suddenly quiet — a little humble in the presence — a topless cage, a proper crucible, prepared to plummet, always upward, ever devious and uncontrollable.

Undeviating and logical as mathematical formulae beyond an incurious golden veil, an atmosphere of formal and timeless disuetude in stately, high-ceilinged rooms. Slowly rubbing the fine unruly devastation of his head, as though space itself were languid in violation. Looking backward, without sadness, untroubled as cows.

The meaning of peace: the sere and ludicrous disasters of his days.