:22:00
The best cure
for melancholy is industry.
:22:09
And though the winds
blew for days, neverending,
:22:12
and the gulls
never ceased their cries,
:22:15
we drew strength
from the rhythm of our labors.
:22:20
And from God.
:22:26
My husband and I grew
accustomed to the solitude.
:22:53
I didn't mind the work.
:22:55
I never complained.
:22:57
I was brought up for this.
:23:06
The wind carried off
our speech
:23:09
so we spoke less.
:23:11
And with work, I suppose,
we had less to say.
:23:16
It is better
not to take the chance
:23:18
of asking
an uncomfortable question,
:23:21
or revealing an affection
for another person
:23:23
that may bring
unintentioned pain.
:23:27
It is wiser,
I think,
:23:30
to keep silent
and preserve the bond.
:23:46
I knew that I would not
be able to leave the island.
:23:49
I had to bite my cheek to keep
from breaking into tears,
:23:52
that once started,
might continue forever.