24 June 2004

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this is how it works. when you think you are ready, they ask you thrice whether are you sure. if you answer positively, they take you to the range and give you a bow and one arrow. there is only one arrow. target is far away, as far as they decide it to be, there are no rules. you look at the target, you have to hit bulls eye, no nines, no eights, no second attempts, ever, it's once in a lifetime. you absorb the target. you become one with the target. you nod. they cover your eyes. you take your time, you shoot your arrow. if you are ready, you hit it. they uncover your eyes; you look at the arrow, still vibrating in the middle of the black circle. you passed. you should feel...what? all you know it was pointless. it was even pointless as a demonstration of pointlessness of it all. they, who brought you here, they all did it. are they happier than you, more enlightened, closer to the light? you shrug, you throw away the bow, it falls on the arrow and hangs on it, but you don't see it, you walk away.

walk away.