1. Stepped out of the plane and walked right into a wall of vapour, a wall that divides the two, separates the past from the future, an in-between commonly called “the present”. The wall named “the present” made it difficult for one to breathe. Silence, with isolation, in the death strip. The watch towers, every half-mile, full of vultures perched, armed with sub-machine guns and informants alike.
2. In this void, or wall, named “the present”, there exists no growth. Why, there cannot be growth in the absence of topsoil, the Sun and the stars. No anchor, no aspiration, no rest (for the wicked).
3. I’m suddenly reminded of Dr. Conroe’s introductory talk on “Rites of Passage”. Some anthropologists consider rites of passage to consist of generally three stages – Separation (from everyday life), State of liminality (being in between), Reincorporation into society (as a new type/person).
4. Some exist in liminality for a rather long while – priests, nuns, monks, Navajos’ nádleehí, etc. – sometimes, for as long as they’re alive.
5. Back, back to the future, for nothing really stays the same from one instant to the next. There is, then, no turning back, no returning of any sort. The rivers flow towards the seas and the waters never truly return to the mountaintops.
6. These days, I feel 16 all over again. Maybe someday, I would feel 23 all over again. Numbers, merely numbers. I am at once 5, 11, 16, 23, 42, 67, 81, what do numbers mean anyway?
7. Savannahs. And gathering clouds. The pride’s long gone, on pace for the next waterhole. The beast totters to a crouch, stifling a weary yawn. Slumber on, slumber on.
8. An empty throne, glistening in the Summer glow. “Follow the dandelions,” whispers Tree, “Wind would show you the way, to the world of Path.”
9. “No you better shock yourself back into nus state, I suggest some philo books.”
“Philo’s the answer to everything right, forces you to recognise the existentialist struggle in every soul.”
“Well, before you can ponder over the thoughts of philosophers you first must understand what they are saying; but in trying to understand what they are saying, your mind is already being sharpened.”
10. “When shall I return?”
“When the gates are wide open.”
“Aren’t they wide open as I leave?”
She smiles.
“When the gates are wide open.”
Wei Leong 伟良 