farewells and returns...

farewells can be shattering, but returns are surely worse.
solid flesh can never live up to the bright shadow cast by its absence.

time and distance blur the edges; then suddenly the beloved has arrived,

and it’s noon with its merciless light,

and every spot and pore and wrinkle and bristle stands clear.

— margaret atwood, the blind assassin
audrey marnay for harper’s bazaar october 1998 by craig mcdean