Humor Quote by Lorrie Moore
““Why do you haunt me? You, like a tattoo on my tongue, like the bay leaf at the bottom of every pan. You who sprawled out beside me and sang my horoscope to a Schubert symphony, something about travel and money again, and we lay there, both of our breaths bad, both of our underwear dangling elastic, and then you turned toward me with a gaze like two matches, putting the horoscope aside, you traced my buried ribs with your index finger, lingered at my collarbone, admiring it as one might a flying buttress, murmuring: Nice clavicle. And me, too new at it and scared, not knowing what to say, whispering: You should see my ten-speed.””
About This Quote
Source Short Story: “The Lost World” in “Self-Help” collection, 2001
A vivid, sensual description of intimacy and desire, blending metaphor and physical detail to convey longing and vulnerability.
In simple terms: Intimate longing expressed through vivid metaphor.
Key Takeaway
Embrace sensual honesty in relationships.
Themes
love
desire
vulnerability
metaphor
Mood
sensual
confessional
Type
literary
poetic
When to use this quote
- romantic encounter
- creative writing
- personal confession
Key Concepts
sensory imagery
physical intimacy
poetic language
Questions to Reflect On
- How does metaphor shape your perception of intimacy?
- What does the “ten-speed” symbolize?
A Different Perspective
The metaphorical language may obscure emotional clarity for some readers.
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