There was a certain amount of initial argumentation about the "meaning" of the balloon; this subsided, because we have learned not to insist on meanings, and they are rarely even looked for now, except in cases involving the simplest, safest phenomena. It was agreed that since the meaning of the balloon could never be known absolutely, extended discussion was pointless, or at least less purposeful than the activities of those who, for example, hung green and blue paper lanterns from the warm gray underside, in certain streets, or seized the occasion to write messages on the surface, announcing their availability for the performance of unnatural acts, or the availability of acquaintances.
the balloon, donald barthelme
image jim-kazanjian
1 comment:
When I was a teenager, I bought a paperback copy of a Donald Barthelme story collection which I believe was called "Unspeakable Practices, Unnatural Acts". Something very similar at any rate. I loved his mix of the everyday with the surreal.
I see that you take the title of your blog from Leonard Cohen. What a master he is. And I like the cello music...it seems to me I heard that piece used in a movie I saw recently, but I can't recall which one.
lastly, I love the silent movie-ish falling lady at the top of one of the previous posts, and the post that goes with it. To say "hey" instead of "amen." Oh yeah. To finally guess. Love it!
I enjoyed my visit here very much.
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