Free

A last breath is released, and life escapes the body. Our word for this spell-breaker is death, but it and every other word seem cramped and churlish in the moment of our emancipation.

It’s the little things

David Letterman devoted an hour to his interview with 55-year-old Warren Zevon, who had declined treatment for lung cancer. He asked the singer-songwriter for some words of wisdom. “Enjoy every sandwich,” Zevon said.