Raymond Carver | Loafing

Loafing

I looked into the room a moment ago,
and this is what I saw—
my chair in its place by the window,
the book turned facedown on the table.
And on the sill, the cigarette
left burning in its ashtray.
Malingerer! my uncle yelled at me
so long ago. He was right.
I’ve set aside time today,
same as every day,
for doing nothing at all.

-Raymond Carver

There are significant moments in everyone’s day that can make literature. You have to be alert to them and pay attention to them.

-Raymond Carver, Conversations with Raymond Carver

It’s been a continual series of starting-overs for me.

-Raymond Carver, Conversations with Raymond Carver