"I'm not big into binary morality — good versus evil, etc. — but it's hard not to look at that viral dance and see a classic face off, a sort of reverse Lord of the Rings with a lone, unliving microbe sneaking its evil way past the immune system in order to sabotage the good, pristine body."

Real estate agents may notice a gap in the night sky.

Spring stands at the Water-Poet's door in a top hat and tails. He asks the Water-Poet to write him a fog sestina, a dozen sudden downpours, and forty-three cool showers for tomorrow.