Friday, September 02, 2005
~ 10:01 AM ~
31 August 2005
1010
Aboard the bus to my Alta(former) world. Alvin of Singpol has revealed terrible news: Many of our 'comrades' are not returning. Disappointment sets in, but decolourises readily. It is the Preliminary Examinations for the elders of all states. Holiday was given to us for revision, just in case somebody fails the test and stays in the current world. Or worse. Never has such anxiety come into the way of celebration. People may think I hate the Priests and Priestesses of Moe. I do not. In fact, my love for them exceeds my concern for any examination. I simply refuse to accept a theocratic administration. As citizens smile and celebrate this joyous occasion, I wonder how many really love their priests.
1050
Arrived at the Grand Hall. As expected, not many elders. The juniors of the former world have all returned from the states. The serfs of the Victorian Empire; Intellectuals from the technotopian state of Temasek; The entrepreneurs of the Rafflesian State; and of course, me, from the Meridian Republic. I waited and watched, but did not see. The elders are absent. Absent from this joyous occasion. While they meditate on the Preliminaries, I feel a sense of lethargy. The gap between the juniors and the elders are so great, it has produced a vaccuum which saps all my energy. Am I failing myself, or am I imagining? By left, I do not know. What I do know is that I saw what I came to see. And more.
1220
The Show is over; the feast begins. As I embarked on the journey to identify my shepherds, I found that names were no longer what I recall them for. It is their guidance. Howe they made impact in my heart. And looking at the looks on their faces, I feel a sense of relaxation in them. Life as a priest is tiresome, and with citizens as atheistic as me, it becomes much of a chore. A sudden gush was felt in my heart. A longing to be a priest myself. An irony perhaps, but my respect for them deepens, as I view the world from their point of view. We could see that the Republic's emeny were not them anymore; it would have to be ...
The cool breeze flows through my short hair. I recall this place as the coolest place I knew. The soothing air cooled my temper. My brief enlightenment lasted for four years. The departure ended this period of excellence, and I bring forth my knowledge to the states. How I miss this land...Buffet! (END)
P.S. The author is enjoying food now. Good food.
