Page 1150 - Wordsmith A Guide to College Writing

The author describes the insults he endured because he chose not to
sit at the “black table.” At some point in your life, did you feel

pressured to conform or singled out because you chose to be

different? What did you do about it?

Letting in Light

Patricia Raybon
For author Patricia Raybon, washing windows is

more than a chore; it is a link to the past and a

bridge to the future.

The windows were a gift or maybe a bribe—or maybe a bonus—for 1

falling in love with such a dotty old house. The place was a wreck. A

showoff, too. So it tried real hard to be more. But it lacked so much—

good heat, stable floors, solid walls, enough space. A low interest rate.

But it had windows. More glass and bays and bows than people on a 2

budget had a right to expect. And in unlikely places—like the window

inside a bedroom closet, its only view a strawberry patch planted by

the children next door.

None of it made sense. So we bought the place. We saved up and 3

put some money down, then toasted the original builder—no doubt

some brave and gentle carpenter, blessed with a flair for the grand

gesture. A romantic with a T-square.