Á Deux

9

- If you have not missed anything that bothered you, I will take the liberty to summarize my impressions, so we are on the same page.

Some time ago, roughly on the eve of the last century the train of events made unpredictable and unfathomable turn to the worse. Since you have not been able to figure out the sources of that turn, and new forces that took effect from that point on, the situation got out of control. The chain of events that have been coming to force either by your efforts or against them did not bring a solution and gave all reasons to believe in a new crisis looming, more global than all previous ones. You cannot prevent it as you do not understand what is hiding behind this slide into abyss.

A possible way out could have been provided by a permanent presence in your life of high artistic creativity, which leads a self-sustained existence, is independent of historical turns; adheres by its nature to absolute ethical values; and is capable of influencing powerfully human hearts. However, this source of spiritual health is running low, as even talented artists allegedly do not receive the required energy of inspiration. Meanwhile, a certain number of enlightened souls endowed with grace, maintain an inner connection with the higher power and are simply watching such a sorry development with detachment, sometimes helping others to get out of the stream, to obtain the same serene distance.

Have I described your idea of the present state of the world correctly?

- So much better than I could.

- With this pretty close to the real picture, I am going to leave you again for a short time. By no means, I suggest you take a rest; quite the opposite. I hope some fresh thought on the topic might cross your mind. Next time I will offer you a slightly different perspective.

- My God! Could that all be just because I keep silent?

- I have met your loved one. They have rather large company there.

- I am glad.

- Have they been visiting you?

- No

- They will, though.

- There was a case in my youth – it was a trifling event, you might skip it if you wish. In the heat of the moment, I have decided to get baptized. So, the priest was asking me: “Do you know the Creed?”, “No, I said, sorry.” Well, he said, never mind. You’ll learn it later.” I did learn the Creed eventually. As to your promise, I’d rather pass it off.

- You are not me, as you have rightly noticed. Your business is to doubt, and mine is to keep my word.