So Soft It Hurts

April 21st, 1928 Virginia Woolf, “A Writer’s Diary” (1918 - 1941)

I rather be understood than have your love, because what is love if you don’t understand my soul..

(from Samuel Beckett's poem, "Cascando")

— Franz Kafka, The Diaries of Franz Kafka

APRIL FOOL 1959 Anne Sexton: A Self-Portrait in Letters First published: 1977

Yeah now we've entered the back pain stage

["and longingly I long…"] Sappho, tr. Dan Beachy-Quick

to be seen without performing. to be heard without screaming. to be missed without disappearing. to be enough without proving it. to be held without falling apart. to be understood without explaining. to be wanted without conditions. to be. to be.