How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Stanza)
Quote #7
On the back of the photograph, / in pencil, / was the address of his family in / Moline, Kansas. / First chance, I'd send the picture back, / let his wife know he was still alive. (100.9)
The disappearance of the man Billie Jo meets on the train (and her biscuits) carries some ambiguity. Regardless of his intentions though, Billie Jo feels moved to return his family picture to his wife and let her know he's okay. It could be that she's thinking of the wild boy who came to her family's farm and how concerned Ma seemed to be for his mother. The act of kindness will keep his wife from concern about her husband's whereabouts.
Quote #8
As we walk together, / side by side, / in the swell of dust, / I am forgiving him, step by step, / for the pail of kerosene. / As we walk together, / side by side, / in the sole-deep dust, / I am forgiving myself / for all the rest. (102.3)
Billie Jo leaving home kind of gives her dad a wakeup call about how bad things have been going since Ma died. As he reaches out to her on their way home from the train station, they begin to bridge the blame between them with forgiveness.
Quote #9
Louise is back at the house. / She wanted to come / but this is Ma's place, / Ma's grave, / Franklin's, too, / and Louise has no business here. / She wants to come everywhere with us. / Well, I won't let her. / Not everywhere. (105.1)
The process of forgiveness often involves letting other people into your life, much the way Billie Jo must learn to accept Louise as part of Daddy's life.