Folded Thought of the Day:


Casting a wary eye on the soothsayers, all looking so smug as they 
make their big play for attention, appealing to the audience and 
striving for their own set of awards -- that sure ain't got nothing 
to do with human events.  It's all becoming a big media circus.  
Bright lights and flashy images.  Step right up, we'll dazzle and 
entertain you and leave you a little disoriented in the process.  
The big show is on the air.  Broadcasting the great anecdote to 
all our dreams.  

Two dollars used to get you a carriage ride around the park.  Now 
you can't even get a seat on the carousel for that.  No, you've 
got to dig deep these days for a chance to ride one of those 
petrified ponies.  Spinning and spinning, up and down...up and down, 
carrying the future and the past on their backs.  Heading in all 
directions and going nowhere.  With those freaky and frightening 
expressions on their faces.  Can't blame them really.  It's a scary 
world for 4-legged creatures.  

Best to grab a seat on the nearest bench and sit out this round.  
You never know...you just might find yourself next to a kindly 
old man who will wait a beat or two before he engages you in 
conversation.  Rituals must be observed, especially when one 
is in need.  

He'll tell you that when he arrived in this country he only had 
ten dollars in his pocket..."yep, the rest was in the bank.  
Millions.  Come from old money."  And he'll slap his leg and 
shake his head...getting a big kick out of himself.  And before 
you know it, he's telling you he's the one who designed this 
very carousel.  And to waylay your obvious skepticism, he pulls 
a news clipping from his breast pocket and sure enough, there 
he is on opening day, right alongside the lead horse (according 
to the caption).  

You'll leave feeling better for some reason.  Thinking that you 
have discovered some link with the past.  Turning around for one 
final glimpse you'll realize why you feel better.  On a waning 
afternoon, you sat beside an old man on one of his final days and 
allowed him a moment to make a link to his own past.  Sitting there 
now, looking as lonely as when you sat down, watching the world go 
around and around. 


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