Sources of Satisfaction

The Trembling in the Treetops

Is linear text related to the skewed curve of the conflict crisis resolution model, the graceful hill on the right, mound of Venus about to erupt. Is this curve, deadman's curve? Should we veer off this path—coitus interruptus? Is it pure boring determinism, no ginger or mango in the offing? I told my students there was in the descending curve another blip on the far right, a finesse point, at which the writer pulls the resolution back from the brink, offers cliff hanging moments when we don't know whether the hands on the edge will slip or be kissed. Everyone up for a bow.

Yes, this model has provided quite a few delicious moments. I often lie around thinking how to top this. It is like thinking about how to top orgasm. How does one offer chills and thrills? And satisfaction. One doesn't want to be just a pesky gnat flying in the eyes of society, or a mosquito nipping at the heels. I try to think of other satisfying things. I think there are some. I am afraid, at times, that they may relate more to poetry. I want them to relate to fiction.

I sit on a dock at Ray's Oyster Bar on Lake Santa Fe and think of how mesmerized I am by waves. Yes, this is one model. Lying on my sofa here in Liberty Lower Right, I watch the tops of tall pines and scattered oaks. The wind sends the top most branches into continual flutter, shivering. I could watch this forever, almost. Visual fascination is quite powerful. I think I'm not alone.

I like very much thinking of a story as a constellation of points. If one hits the dots over and over in phase space will something develop?