I am embarrassed to admit how long I read East Coker’s Lines 157 – 161 with a patently wrong meaning of the word “prevent” in mind—as in to preclude.  It is even more embarrassing to admit that in fact I had no idea that there was another, earlier meaning: to anticipate, to provide, to go before.  […]

I became acquainted with Four Quartets over twenty years ago.  I recall picking up a pocket edition in a bookstore, although I don’t recall exactly what prompted me to do so.  I carried it with me nearly everywhere.  (I remember pulling it from my suit pocket for a moment during my sister’s wedding party back […]