A few years ago, I noticed that time was accelerating and so I started to run. Run against time, against old age. Run for your life. Run to catch up with time. Run against the clock, to leave something behind before time is up. Run. Just run.
Then suddenly, everything stopped
So abruptly that there was a loss of gravity for a while
A night visit
- I know who you are
- Do you?
- You replaced your scythe with a plague doctor mask. Not sure if it’s appropriate
- I have the night off so I dropped the iconic prop for a more incognito look. Same shape though.
- You are walking on electrical wires way above street level.
- Oh, right. forgot about mortals behaviour. It has been ages since the last time I could roam the surface of the earth freely. It’s quite liberating actually.
- You got to be joking...
My neighbour
the giant supermodel
- Hey There Kate, long time no see.
- Still working late?
- Just having trouble sleeping these days. So, what’s the word on the street?
- Hard to tell there’s so few people around. I heard some cheering early evening. Always sounds like a big crowd, but there’s never anybody around. I also heard gunshots a few weeks ago.
- I know, I saw death the other night.
- You did? I see him regularly passing by. Not sure about his latest fashion statement.
- Who the hell are these guys? Wow, I’m confused
- Never mind them, they’re some yahoos from the south, that got lost.
- So loud, for 2 people. Are they protesting? Or is it a rally?
- I told you they’re not from here.
- What language do they speak? I understand the words, but it makes no sense.
- It’s not supposed to make sense, creating confusion is the point.
- Oh, I see, so it’s like Dadaism. It’s a Dada performance piece
- No! no I really don’t think we should get into a musical number right now.
- Too late
- Who the hell are you? And What are you doing there?
- I'm sure I don't know sir. I'm in self-Isolation you see.
- Aren't we all
- Can you tell me where I am?
- In my den, within the highest billboards in town. I used to live in a basement but I have moved up. Great view from here.
- Something about this place, as if I've seen it before...
- If you'll excuse me, I'll go back to my observation post.
- What do you see down there?
- I see humankind wants to change. But transition times are never easy. Some don't want change, they fear it.
- They say that in most of the civilized world --
- The word civilized has no place in the discussion of the affairs of this world.
- But you just said humans wan --
- Wants to change yes. But they have yet achieved civilization or perhaps what you might call modern civilization.
- I don't think--
- The judiciary system in most nations on this planet is archaic. It goes unnoticed because people don't think it affects them, only bad people. As if an old black and white western movie. They fill those prisons to avoid tackling the real issues, like a band-aid on a cancer tumour. Racism is an archaic concept, so is homophobia, yet...
The world health organization recommends washing hands regularly. Still 3 billion people which is about 40 % of the world population, don't even have access to water in their own homes. That also goes unnoticed by most people. I have yet to see a civilized modern society
- Is there hope?
- He smiles - That is why I provide light. Lots of light, high above. Like a lighthouse, a beacon to help navigate when times are rough and I love light. Light is truth
- Wait, all those light bulbs. I know who you are!
- “I am an invisible man. I am a man of substance, of flesh and bone, fibre and liquids – and I might even be said to possess a mind. I am invisible, understand, simply --
- “simply because people refuse to see me.” It's an honour to meet you mister invisible man.
- Yes, that is what people call me. Ellison never gave me a name after all. Haha!
- Where am I?
a voice is heard through a loudspeaker
– 1, 2 is this on? Ahem! - Welcome inside the System.
- the system?
- The System, darling, that rules over mankind what you would call the almighty Economic system
- Oh, I see. Why is it so run down?
- Because it's an outdated system, but you humans insist on keeping using it.
- Outdated?
- That's the problem. Most people don't seem to know. Shall I give you a tour?
- Sure, I mean, I don't know much about the economy
- Not a problem darling, I shall provide some explanations. You have a system that has not adapted, therefore it is slowly decaying. Intelligence is the ability to adapt to change said Stephen Hawking.
For instance. We the markets do not like uncertainties. We are very fragile that way. Yet humans live in uncertain times. You want to invest in communities, social services, education to empower people for a stronger, safer society. Investing in the future does not compute here in this system.
Seems you have a car that is no longer meeting your needs. If you live in the mountains you get yourself a 4 wheel drive. If you live in Milan you get yourself a Vespa. It all depends on the terrain, darling.
All you humans want, is to see the market go up, profits go up. You also want to cut waste and focus on climate change... Ironic. Most products are designed with a limited life span to maximize profit. How many vacuum cleaners do you need to buy in your life span?
All of this is base, of course, on infinite economic growth.. The Entry of the gladiators (Thunder & Blazes) is heard in the background. Need I say more?
- We humans do have some paradox.
- Paradox? Call it whatever you want. I said it before and I'll say it again, you humans have lost your minds
Sound of microphone moving
- Wait. Sir. David Attenborough wants to say something, he's also visiting.
Anyone who believes in infinite growth on a physically finite planet is either mad or an economist.
- Here you go darling hope you have enjoyed your tour. If you did, do tell your friends while the place is still standing.
- Thank you for the tour. Now, how do I get back to where I was?
- Just follow the yellow ticker's lights. Goodby darling