Gouverneur Morris's 1918 story, 'If You Touch Them They Vanish,' is a quiet little gem that packs a surprising punch. It's not a long, epic adventure, but a focused look at one man's encounter with the impossible.

The Story

The story follows an unnamed, somewhat discontented narrator. His life is fine, but it feels flat. One evening, he looks out his window and sees a breathtakingly beautiful garden and a lovely woman where his ordinary backyard should be. He steps outside and finds himself in this perfect, silent world. He can walk through it, admire its beauty, and observe its peaceful inhabitants. But the central rule is right there in the title: if he touches anything or anyone, they instantly vanish. This creates a heartbreaking tension. He's surrounded by everything he might want, but any attempt to truly connect, to make it real, causes it to dissolve into nothingness.

Why You Should Read It

What I love about this story is how it perfectly captures that feeling of wanting what you can't have. It's not about greed; it's about longing. The narrator isn't a villain. He's just a guy who sees a chance for more beauty and connection in his life. The tragedy is that the very act of trying to grasp it makes it disappear. Morris doesn't give easy answers. Is this world a magical gift, a cruel trick, or a figment of the narrator's imagination? The beauty is in the question. It makes you think about the dreams we chase and whether some things are meant to be admired from a distance, not held.

Final Verdict

This is a perfect read for a thoughtful afternoon. If you enjoy classic short stories with a touch of the supernatural, like those by Saki or Lord Dunsany, you'll feel right at home. It's also great for anyone who's ever felt a little restless and wondered 'what if?' The language is clear and elegant, not overly complicated, so it's very accessible. Don't expect action-packed plots or clear-cut endings. Instead, settle in for a poignant, beautifully sad fable about desire and reality that you'll likely mull over long after you finish the last page.