Quibdó, 31 August 2018

My dear friend,

I want to tell you lots of things, I always do, but there’s no way I’ll have time to tell you everything. These days I’m having a new sensation. Motete seems to be standing on its own two feet. I no longer feel as if I’m in training for something. I can sense fresh challenges ahead, and I’m not anxious about the same things. We have a new cash register and next week we’ll have new accounting software. We’re growing, no question. And my responsibilities are growing as well, and my time for other things I love is shrinking. Of course, everything taking up my time is completely fascinating to me.

I’ve thrown myself wholeheartedly into this work. The lack of effusiveness I mentioned a while back has taken up almost permanent residence within me. Aside from very rare moments, I’ve become more and more like that calm, deep bay. I can’t deny the turbulence in the depths, but for the most part I’m fairly serene.

When it comes down to it, I don’t think I need to tell you everything. I’m fine. It’s all going well. What matters is not just making sure there’s still time for poetry, but living constantly within it.

The most beautiful part is that I’ve stopped feeling as if I can’t manage. I arrive in Medellín on October 24th, around midday. I’m free that evening. On Thursday and Friday I’ll be at the National Reading Promoters’ Conference. And I’m staying until the afternoon of Monday 29th. We could have breakfast that Monday, or on the Saturday.

Or we could have a drink on Wednesday evening. Let me know what’s easiest for you.

Vel