So this is a little strange... I’ve never really done this before, so I’m unsure about where to begin. I'm officially 66 years old, but in reality I’m a lot older. I'm like one of those grandparents every family has whose real age you don't really know so you just sort of pick a date and go with it. Still, 66 years. When you get to my age, you feel both like you've been around forever and like it all started yesterday. It's been an interesting ride, that's for sure.
Back in the day, I was a bit of a celebrity, so to speak. Explorers, emperors, traders and all manner of truth-seekers wanted to see me, get to know me, find out what all the fuss was about. Even back then, I was considered both retro and modern- I guess I was a hipster before there was a word for it. I was renowned for my dance, music, multi-cultural roots, and, even if I do say so myself- my natural beauty. I was tipped for even greater things, poised on the cusp of super-stardom.
Since then, I think most people will agree it hasn't quite gone to plan. That's not to say I've been a complete failure; I've had the occasional moment of glory. The years, however, have taken their toll. I'm a little less sure of myself, a little jaded, just a tiny bit frayed at the edges. I know it will get better- I've been around long enough to know that, but that doesn't mean I don't worry. I keep thinking there are still some things that when they break, you can't always put them back together. Not completely, anyway.
So here I am; bruised and a little battered, but still standing, still dreaming. It’s going to be an interesting month. The significance of these elections is not lost on me, because sometimes the fate of people and nations can turn on precisely this kind of moment, and I am no different.
At times like these, my mind often drifts to the past. I think of everyone and everything that has gone before, but I still look hopefully to the future. And to the day, no matter how distant it appears now, when I finally realise my destiny. I am 66 years old.
My name is India.
Back in the day, I was a bit of a celebrity, so to speak. Explorers, emperors, traders and all manner of truth-seekers wanted to see me, get to know me, find out what all the fuss was about. Even back then, I was considered both retro and modern- I guess I was a hipster before there was a word for it. I was renowned for my dance, music, multi-cultural roots, and, even if I do say so myself- my natural beauty. I was tipped for even greater things, poised on the cusp of super-stardom.
Since then, I think most people will agree it hasn't quite gone to plan. That's not to say I've been a complete failure; I've had the occasional moment of glory. The years, however, have taken their toll. I'm a little less sure of myself, a little jaded, just a tiny bit frayed at the edges. I know it will get better- I've been around long enough to know that, but that doesn't mean I don't worry. I keep thinking there are still some things that when they break, you can't always put them back together. Not completely, anyway.
So here I am; bruised and a little battered, but still standing, still dreaming. It’s going to be an interesting month. The significance of these elections is not lost on me, because sometimes the fate of people and nations can turn on precisely this kind of moment, and I am no different.
At times like these, my mind often drifts to the past. I think of everyone and everything that has gone before, but I still look hopefully to the future. And to the day, no matter how distant it appears now, when I finally realise my destiny. I am 66 years old.
My name is India.
