Made for TV
I would like Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen to play me in the movie of my life. One could look for my phone, while the other misplaces an important piece of paper. One could ask for a raise, while the other stares thoughtfully into a deep ravine. At night they reassure each other gently. The years grow short then long then short again. Now one of them wants a baby and the other one does not. One is hiding money in a single yellow sock. They make a list on a piece of notebook paper. This year it’s going to be better.
Taj Mahal
Thank you for coming to the Taj Mahal. We have these little bags for your feet, and we have these little pins for your gift bags. If you can hear me, gather around. This tour will begin as soon as the other tour ends. This marble is made of real marble, and the gold is made out of gold. I think that you heard me when I said don’t touch the railings. Everyday somebody goes off the rails. My mother used to say that I would turn out just fine, and now I have a little gold badge on my vest. It is not easy to keep everything going. Observe the men climbing over one another to dust the shining finial. The Victorians would have called them a clasp: something that falls from a dress. Don’t worry. Nobody is harmed here. What you are looking at is an authentic reproduction. This Taj Mahal was reproduced in incredible detail through successful public private partnerships. Without this Taj Mahal, I would not be here speaking to you. This Taj Mahal has produced many gold badges and many dioramas for public good. Without this Taj Mahal, where would we be?