Monday, October 01, 2007

"Dragons!

Ever since he was two years old he had been captivated by the pictures of the fiery beasts in The Octarine Fairy Book. His sister had told him they didn't really exist, and he recalled the bitter disappointment. If the world didn't contain those beautiful creatures, he'd decided, it wasn't half the world it ought to be. And then later he had been bound apprentice to Ninereeds the Masteraccount, who in his grey-mindedness was everything that dragons were not, and there was no time for dreaming."

-The Colour of Magic

What a pity, because I am not long for this world. Truth be told, I'm not in a hurry to leave NJC. Yes, NJC of the horrid grey uniform. My friends may be rather pleased to be done with this place, but not I.

No, the shadow of an authoritarian regime that passes for NJC doesn't hold a candle to the one I will be joining next year. I've never liked following orders, and I find the beaten track far too noisy. How much more fun it is, to accomplish a task with panache and style. Alas, it seems even this artful dodger will have to lie low for awhile.

In an odd way, I sort of empathise with the citizens of Burma. We have ideals, but they have guns. This observer can do nothing but wish you luck.

One week, and then there will be no more dragons.