The introduction to Glass Face in the Rain, by William Stafford
Smoke Signals
There are people on a parallel way. We do not see them often, or even think of them often, but it is precious to us that they are sharing the world. Something about how they have accepted their lives, or how the sunlight happens to them, helps us to hold the strange, enigmatic days in line for our own living. It is important that these people know this recognition, but it also important that no purpose or obligation related to this be intruded into their lives.
This book intends to be for anyone, but especially for those on that parallel way: here is a smoke signal, unmistakable but unobtrusive - we are following what comes, going through the world, knowing each other, building our little fires.