Cannot still his voice when thinking pilgrim. A traveler, "somebody who is making a journey of any kind" (Encarta). I am, I am.
But I also feel a "religious traveler, somebody who goes on a journey to a holy place for religious reasons" (Encarta) for I believe that knowledge offered within the words is a high and holy sacristy and my wants are indeed religious in their intent of better understanding.
Long ago I unwrapped a chocolate rabbit, then read the little illustrated storybook inside the box. I was in my twenties, as were the friends I read it to aloud. I changed not a word, but merely by tone, inflection and pause, turned the story into an x-rated version that would not be suitable for any child. I used my knowledge of duality of meaning, the art of innuendo, to raise the level of the story to something else entirely that both I and my friends understood, and laughed hysterically about.
Enjoyment in reading. Experience in comprehension. Understanding nuance. A different story emerged.
(Please do follow the discussion on The Great Lettuce Head’s Series on Reading. It has become as important to me right now as writing, and seems inextricably linked.)
The Lost Children: A Charity Anthology
Sometimes the duality of meaning is simply singular. Find yourself in simple terms, like Rilke. 🙂