These riddles were written as a combined effort of a mental exercise and poetic expression.

Lynne Sharon Schwartz (b. 1939) is a celebrated author of novels, poems, short fiction, and criticism. Schwartz began her career with a series of short stories before publishing her first novel, the National Book Award–nominatedRough Strife(1980). She went on to publish works of memoir, poetry, and translation. Her other novels have included the award-nominatedLeaving Brooklyn(1989) andDisturbances in the Field(1983).Her short fiction has appeared in theBest American Short Stories annual anthology series several times. In addition, her reviews and criticism have appeared in numerous magazines and newspapers. Schwartz lives in New York City, and is currently a faculty member of the Bennington Writing Seminars.