[Ed Shacklee]

I wish I hadn't edited out my initial response to your Sufi quote, Andrew -- which was, simply, "Seyyed seems like a good egg" -- instead of going off into the brambles. My tongue is a bit rusty when it comes to this topic, and I regret any awkwardness. I actually do agree with much of what you say.

I very much believe that, though we may only perceive facets of it, there is an ideal of beauty. I'm happy, if sometimes bemused, when others are so taken with the notion that they go on and on about it, like lovers describing the beloved. Do I hide a yawn sometimes? Well, yes, but that doesn't mean their hearts aren't pure. My own spindly shanked, fey-eyed muse, however, is averse to the thought of being mooned over, and does not take well to such serenades, not from my lips, anyway.

Best,

Ed