I climbed on the rowing ergometer, and started to pull - losing myself in the rhythm of sweat and pain.

That morning each of us found a breaking point. Not only a physical barrier, but a point where determination, stamina and duty clashed and were overcome not so much by pain but by absurdity.

Once one is beyond a certain level of commitment to the sport, life begins to seem an allegory of rowing rather than rowing an allegory of life.

Being in shape was not my goal. My body was a tool to test the capabilities of my will.

The ergometer simulates the physical demands of rowing, packaging the pains with none of the amenities that make it worthwhile.

Those of us who stayed were younger, more tractable. Less sure of ourselves socially and intellectually, we gave ourselves to the sport with little idea of what we could give or receive.

No matter who it is or what you think of them, never rejoice in the pain of others. It lowers you to a level you should not be at.

He is much to be dreaded who stands in dread of poverty.

And our dreams are who we are.

I would say that I have a love-hate relationship with almost everything in my life, including stand-up.

The sun is all about the world we see, the breath and strength of every spring.

Sometimes this human stuff is slimy and pathetic...but better to feel it and talk about it and walk through it than to spend a lifetime being silently poisoned.

At bottom, every state regards another as a gang of robbers who will fall upon it as soon as there is an opportunity.

I am content with what I have, little be it, or much.

Maybe 'okay' will be our 'always

The presence of many does not and cannot replace the absence of one. That is love.