The Birth of My Daughter, the Death of My Marriage

ABC 184: On divorce and rebirth

In Spanish, the verb for break—romperse—is reflexive. Whereas in English we say he broke the lamp, in Spanish the lamp breaks itself. What a convenient way to abdicate responsibility! There goes that lamp again, going off and breaking itself. 

But when it comes to relationships, I think the Spanish construction is more fitting. Often a breakup is not just one person’s fault. The relationship breaks itself. 

This week’s piece is about the end of a marriage, but its author doesn’t assign blame. Rather she depicts—in striking prose—the distinct forces that led to its disintegration. 

It’s an essay that comes alive in the details—the zippered pajamas, the smell of oranges on her fingers, the spiral bound notebooks. The first lines grab you by the lapels and don’t let go.

Here’s the piece: The Birth of My Daughter, the Death of My Marriage

Warmly,
Simo 

P.S. Ambient electronic music has been the recent soundtrack to my (work)life. The song of the week is a classic from Brian Eno. The full songs of the week playlist is here.