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On to the game.
This was suggested at a recent writer's group meeting. What I'm going to do is give you a paragraph. What I want you to do is to rewrite the paragraph in your own words. Imagine that you are translating it from one language to another--you want to get the meaning of the words across, but you want to say it in a way different from how it was originally said.
The paragraph I'm going to use comes from the 4000-year-old "Epic of Gilgamesh," from the translation by N. K. Sandars. Some things don't change much in 4000 years:
"Gilgamesh, where are you hurrying to? You will never find that life for which you are looking. When the gods created man they allotted to him death, but life they retained in their own keeping. As for you, Gilgamesh, fill your belly with good things; day and night, night and day, dance and be merry, feast and rejoice. Let your clothes be fresh, bathe yourself in water, cherish the little child that holds your hand, and make your wife happy in your embrace; for this too is the lot of man."
"Hey.. Gilgamesh! Man, you are like *uptight*, dude. The journey's not on the outside. Inner peace, now *that's* for real, no plastic, no credit cards. There is no Answer, only The Question. And if you party hearty and rock n roll, there'll be no need to Ask. Farrrrrr out..."
Posted by: Jane Gwaltney at June 16, 2002 05:16 PMWhatÌs the rush, G? WhereÌs the fire? Everybody dies, in case you hadnÌt noticed; I think the idea is, most of us try to squeeze in a little living on the way. The ÏlifeÓ thing doesnÌt come all set up for you, you know; some assembly is required. Go ahead, IÌm in a generous mood; have a look at the box. I warn you, though, thereÌs a lot of weird crap in there: screwdrivers, sunflowers, oatmeal, earlobes... stuff like that. Oh, and it has moving parts. You do know what a moving part is, donÌt you, G?
Posted by: leelah at June 16, 2002 05:23 PMLillian Gish... pull over... leave the fast lane
no one goes to that place any more
have you a coupon for the dry cleaners..?
where'd you get that kid..?
feast yourself on
good food
drink the wine
have a cigar
but don't sm9ke in here its ag6ainst the law
take my wife please... henny youngman
Dear Gilgamesh,
Did you see Letterman last night? These were the Top Six Cliches you've heard over and over. (I've forgotten the last four.)
1) Slow down, you're moving too fast.
2) Eat, drink and be merry, for tomorrow you may die.
3) Always wear clean underwear.
4) Cleanliness is next to godliness.
5) Let the ones you love know how much you love them
(and perhaps related to number five)
6) Show, don't tell.
Your Friend,
Tammuz
Posted by: John at June 16, 2002 08:51 PM"You just don't get it," she decided, swirling her drink in the glass. The icecubes made dull clinks of ironic laughter. "Life is too short to worry about what you can't control." Leaning toward him, dark hair framed her face. "Soak up life. Don't let a minute pass without being feeling...being aware of the universe, the people around you." Her gentle eyes hardened with desperation. "Do it now!"
Posted by: at June 16, 2002 08:55 PM“Gil, dude! S’uuuuup? Chill out, brother. You will never find that fountain of youth. There are a million ways to do yourself in, but when the Man upstairs says your time is up, you’re gone, man. Now, you, ‘Mesh, eat high on hog! Party every day and every night, boogie down, have a blast, pig out, and celebrate! Dress to the nines, soak in the tub, love your kids tenderly, and satisfy your woman most righteously. We deserve this, man, this is ours.
Posted by: Jintzie at June 16, 2002 10:19 PM"Where are you heading to, Son of man? 'Tis a treacherous path you're treading. For the Immortal ones gave us the means to end our short stay on Earth, but they forbade us to be like them. Be wise, Gilgamesh, and enjoy what you have; celebrate every moment of your life. Indulge in silky garments, keep your body fresh and strong, be humble and proud of your progeny and treat your wife like you want to be treated; all this makes a man's living."
Posted by: Anca at June 17, 2002 07:08 AMGilgamesh. Stop. Your search has failed before it's begun. Search for your life and you'll only find death; that's all you've been given as an end. For the days until then there are grapes and wine, roast and cakes; there are turns and spins and steps taken together, songs to sing. Think of fashion, tiny babies--both will change so fast, you should pay attention to them. Love, too. What you're looking for is unchangeability. You've a different gift.
Posted by: eshtine at June 22, 2002 05:29 PMIf I might have the pleasure of a few choice words, good sir: Move it. Clean your act up, treat your wife better or else, and stop hanging out with children, you are setting them a bad example. Thankyou.
Posted by: Ali at June 27, 2002 06:39 PMHey Gig,
I reformatted my HD and FORGOT to save my address book!!
You must write to me so I can write to you.
Do it now, hehe.
Great stuff on the comment section, I must say.
It's 8 AM, and time for breakfast. I'll be Merry after I eat & drink.
D.