Human atoms.
“In that high place in the darkness the two oddly sensitive human atoms held each other tightly and waited. In the mind of each was the same thought. “I have come to this lonely place and here is this other,” was the substance of the thing felt.”
― Sherwood Anderson, Winesburg, Ohio
Sherwood is one of my favorite writers. His simple and focused stories transport the reader deep into the personal and haunting presence of haunting people. While in no means derivative of each other, John Steinbeck and Sherwood (who came before Steinbeck) seem to echo each other.
The above quote reminds me so deeply of many pieces of Steinbeck. Two human atoms pulled together and their presence together is everything. They are merely together and that is enough. That is the essence of community. No grand gestures but the simple presence, the simple act of being. Read Sherwood Anderson’s Winesburg, Ohio for this. Read Steinbeck’s The Wayward Bus, East of Eden, Grapes of Wrath etc. etc.
I am also reminded of a recent episode of my favorite podcast, The Memory Palace. In that episode we learn of two lives revolving around the events of the infamous Donner Party. One is the supposed cannibal, murderer and villain. The other is the victim, daughter of those eaten, who lived her life under the shadow of that horrible event.
Listen to it here: http://thememorypalace.us/2012/09/after-party/
Without spoiling the end, it is about two atoms pulled together. It is about being and grace and community. Presence, healing, and forgiveness.
also check out: This.