Gail Godwin on the aging writer's brain

In an interview on Weekend Edition yesterday (click here), Gail Godwin, nearing 80 and still writing, offered a compelling metaphor for the aging writer's brain:

As you get older not only do you get more picky with your words, but you lose them. You used to have lots of servants. And you just pulled the bell like in "Downton Abbey," and they'd all rush up with trays full of things. And now you pull the bell, and you wait for this very arthritic old butler who's your only servant left. And he comes up with his wooden tray, and there's one word on it. But it's a good word.

I hope my butler's still working that well when I'm 80!