The government has given you a medal. This is a sign they give, perhaps of appreciation for long service, or sacrifice in the bureaucratic wars. The obverse portrays the national avatar, an eagle with a pleading man in its claws. Your own face is shown on the reverse, cleverly rendered by the official sculptor. Its eyes are closed, mouth in full rictus. There will be a brief party for you at 5 p.m. Already the workmen are at your office door, changing the locks. The cardboard box … [Read more...]