It is about five after six; and in another six hours this year, 2011, will have ended for me. It will never come again. This is the commonplace time for looking back, over the year, and seeing what was in it that was notable, good, or (at least) memorable.
Where was I? Mostly in the same place; I can’t remember a significant trip. I have the same job as I had twelve months ago, and I’m no happier at it than I was, and not noticeably unhappier, either. A few people I knew went out of my life; Rose died, Joanna moved, Liz moved on. I don’t meet them on the deck any more, but the voyage has gone on much the same.
The best movie I saw: “One Wonderful Sunday”. The best novel I read: “The Scarlet Gang of Asukasa”. The best work of non-fiction: “The Enigma of Capital”. I didn’t watch any television, though I watched videos of old shows, some of which I enjoyed. I didn’t read any newspapers, though I read articles online and on my device. I didn’t go to the theatre, or any museums, or any concerts; though I played a mute role in an epiphany drama, and I looked at a lot of pictures, and made some. I didn’t go to the beach, though I did get my feet wet.
I spent time with Kelly, I spent time with Jen, and I like them both as much as I ever did. I spent a lot of time with some people I don’t like, as much as I ever did. I trust my instincts more than I used to, but I still don’t act on impulse. There is a prejudice in our society in favor of “action” from which I abstain.
The year is ticking away, and whatever you put into it, wherever you went, whatever you accomplished, whatever you said, whoever you did; it will all be gone tomorrow. It’s about half-past six; in another five hours and a half, this year will have ended for me.
0 Responses to “(Minus) Six”