I sometimes wonder if words have expiry dates. Can the decay of time render words impotent, as it does men? Without any contradiction, can words suddenly lose their meaning? Even if they are kind words, precious words, loving words you have used as balm or as armour? I have found in my own words great power and in the words of others great comfort; it is heartbreaking to think that words, like lovers, are of no comfort to you when you need them most.