EXERPT FROM THE TIN ROOF BLOWDOWN

or one great reason why I love James Lee Burke....

"It's called a vision of mortality," I said.
"What is?"
"The feeling you experienced when you went back to your old house."
"I'm afraid I'm going to die?"
"You saw the Big Sleazy die, Clete.It's like having an affair with the Great Whore of Babylon. When you finally come to your senses and get her out of your life, you find out she was the only woman you ever loved."
Clete upended the bottle again,his throat working rhythmically, watching me with one eye, as though someone had spoken to him from one of his dreams.

ain't that fucking beautiful?