page 312I reread the same paragraphthree timeseach time convinced it’s differenteach time less certainwhat language Joyce is using
outside a neighbor’s dog howlsas if he toohas lost his place in the sentence
I tell myself I’m expanding my mindlaying down neural corridorsbut mostly I’m just watching sunlightcreep across the carpeta quiet visitorwho’s waiting to be noticed
I underline two wordsthat might be importantthen discover my coffeehas gone cold in the kitchen
Bloom, I decidemight be the only one herewho understands me
by afternoonI’ve made it throughone and a half episodesmy own thoughts begin to take onthe shape of parenthesesfootnotesLatin phrasesas if even my life requires annotationfor anyone to follow it
later I close the bookbalance it on the arm of the couchand stare at itlike a guest who’s overstayed his welcomebut promiseshe’s leavingsoon though I knowI’m the onewho will be leavingfirst
Image: Cover Page of First English Edition of Ulysses (1922)