Ferret
by
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And what to do about this desk? The clutter? Building up like an ancient seabed. A process of sedimentation, through the millions of years. Capturing history, relics of the past. A document here, a telegram there. A wealth of information. Would tell the whole story. If one could piece it all together. But with no professional experience, no archaeological training, how does one embark on a dig of this magnitude? Best not to meddle, might break something, displace an arrowhead and recreate the whole of human history. Telephone tinkling as the sun rises ever higher behind raindrops outside the glassed and barred window. Where would one jump in case of fire? "Mr. Ferret, it's Mr. O'Neil on 56." "Tell him I'm not in, Mai." "He said to tell you he knows you're in because you're always in at this time." In the atomical age, O'Neil, who is only two doors away, prefers indirect contact through wires and electro-mechanical sound conversions. Where are these preferences leading us? "I'm not in, O'Neil." "Of course you're not. Then who's this talking?" "Spiritually, I mean." "Can't you ever be serious, Ferret? "Life is damaging enough without seriousness."
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About the Book
This volume explores the underbelly of foreign aid - one country's assistance to another - from three levels, some of which are not totally on the level. You've got your international policy level, your between-the clouds-and ground practice level, and your personal emotional level. Policy may appear unreal. It is. Practice may appear rather confused. It is. Individual emotions are, well, a complicating factor. The story might appear anthropological. Even anthropomorphic [meaning animals with human traits], or possibly atavistic [you might say giving humans beastly traits]. So be it. Metaphors are metaphors and facts are facts. And this book is based on more of the latter than the former. The locations are where they are, but not always clearly specified. The humor is rife. Don't let it detract from the facts. The sadness is lamentable but integral. On all levels. Beasties aside, this is non-fiction, for the most part. The very most part. These things happened, happen for the most part. They are happening still with no sign of declension, grammatically or actually. The premise of this book is: Things ain't always what they seem. The conclusion is: Things ain't always what they seem. So? Like the author, keep on looking.
About the Author
Somsak J. has survived the sprinkling of foreign aid and monsoon rains in a number of 'mysterious' Eastern countries, as well as the age-old enlightened beliefs and cultures therein. He's also survived love & love lost. Through these times gone by, he has learned to severely question authority. And found that 98% of authority is questionable. And tends to survive it all with food, drink, and a sense of humor.