Pp. 73-93 Summary

In "my friend, the parking lot attendant," Chinaski describes the smooth-talking attendant at the race track. He always has a quick remark regarding the protagonist's car or girlfriend. One day, he is no longer there, and Chinaski is certain he has moved on to better things.

"miracle" describes an obscure symphony by Mozart. The author cannot imagine the amount of energy and joy contained within it.

In "a non-urgent poem" Chinaski receives a letter from a man saying Chinaski's poems have lost their sense of urgency. Chinaski is confused as to the purpose of the letter. He has seen many fellow writers deteriorate and not felt the need to write them.

In "my first affair with that older woman," Chinaski describes a woman ten years older than he. She hates life, and they abuse each other terribly. She ends up in...