On "Reader's Block"
I looked around me at the scrupulously clean cafe. Coffee drinkers, particularly students, were coming and going all the time. I had removed my shoes, which sat underneath my plush chair, and had given attention to the book Guests of the Sheik. I must read through this book, I told myself; it had been a goal set long before November, though December just began.
To my right another student was parked with his own reading. I chose to adopt him as a study partner. In front of me stood a brink fireplace. Both, in some respects, constituted ease. Not quite pleased, I shifted in the large chair, searching for my body's approval - I fidget constantly on occassions. When I discovered the best position, I continued from the page I last visited.
"Sheik Hamid is probably sending Ali to make sure the children don't bother you."
I was content. This atmosphere facilitated a type of social intercourse, where I held no conversation.
Two hours passed. Now, although I hated to admit it, my principles were weakening before my loniness as more and more people left, including my "study parter". I suppose the purpose of conversation is to spatially arrest others as social hostages. With my strategy, I could not enjoy this luxury. Suddenly, a lugubrious feeling deposited in my stomach. I protested the emotion, however, and insisted I read 50 more pages - a monumental task in this state of mind.
To my right another student was parked with his own reading. I chose to adopt him as a study partner. In front of me stood a brink fireplace. Both, in some respects, constituted ease. Not quite pleased, I shifted in the large chair, searching for my body's approval - I fidget constantly on occassions. When I discovered the best position, I continued from the page I last visited.
"Sheik Hamid is probably sending Ali to make sure the children don't bother you."
I was content. This atmosphere facilitated a type of social intercourse, where I held no conversation.
Two hours passed. Now, although I hated to admit it, my principles were weakening before my loniness as more and more people left, including my "study parter". I suppose the purpose of conversation is to spatially arrest others as social hostages. With my strategy, I could not enjoy this luxury. Suddenly, a lugubrious feeling deposited in my stomach. I protested the emotion, however, and insisted I read 50 more pages - a monumental task in this state of mind.