Brenda lifted the top off a shoebox and dug beneath the tissue paper, unearthing a two-toned, turquoise-and-cream, high-heeled pump. This is one of my favorites, she said, balancing it in the palm of her hand. I love shoes that show toe cleavage. / Toe cleavage? / Brenda kicked off a leather sandal, slipped her foot into the pump, and pointed to the baseline of her toes peeking through. That's toe cleavage!

Policy was to be bold, not timid; campaign promises were to be carried out, not cynically shelved; and the public service would dance to a new tune, one where the ministers called the tune.

I'm as trite and as gay as a daisy in May, / A cliché comin' true! / I'm bromidic and bright / As a moon-happy night / Pourin' light on the dew!

My father looked mournfully at me, before turning to whisper something to Elpinoy as he staggered into the kitchen, sleep-drunk.