It’s been more than seven years since E told “Doctor” H that I was leaving her for another woman. She’s from Edmonton, I said. Where did you meet her? he said. On the Internet, I said. On the Internet? he said. He was incredulous. I met her in a chat room, I said, we’ve never seen each other, except for pictures. But we’re in love. You’ve never seen each other! he said. How do you know you’re in love? I know, I said. It’s impossible, he said, you can’t know. Why not? I said. Because people have to see each other, he said. There are relationships which go on for years by telephone, I said. The people have met at least once, he said. How do you know they’ve met? I said. And what about blind people? He didn’t answer. “Doctor” H was furious, I on the point of walking out. E sat in the corner, enjoying my downfall.
So I would have dedicated this to “Doctor” H, had he merely been obtuse. But this was far from all, very far from all, so into the fiery pit with him, you’ll hear no more about him.
Instead, I dedicate this web log to Eros, Aphrodite and Narcissus. And to the lovers the Internet has brought together, whether they have coalesced in spirit and in body, or in spirit only; and more especially to the latter. I wish them strength, wisdom and forbearance, since fools and scoffers are many and thoughtful people few.
And now “may God give you health, not forgetting me.” [1]
[1] Cervantes, Don Quixote (tr. Jervas), Author’s Preface
