Going into a tunnel

[TIL #49] Where and when shall i emerge from the obscurity?

May 15, 2025

Folks,

A warm welcome to new subscribers, and warm greetings to you all.

This post is inspired by a visit of the water distribution system that sustained the growth of Lisbon in the 18th century. During 3 hours, we walked through the galleries of an aqueduct, underground galleries and majestic reservoirs. It was quite fascinating and fun. Later though, when i looked at the pictures i made, a different stream of thought echoed in my mind.

Text within this block will maintain its original spacing when published

How long will it take
— how many hours days weeks

Where and when 
shall i 
emerge 
from the obscurity?

I’m going into a tunnel
— is what you say to get rid of an irritating correspondent on the phone.

Where and when 
shall i 
emerge 
from the obscurity?

You dig tunnels to reach the treasure vault
and travel back to the light of day 
transformed by your newly-acquired wealth.

Where and when 
shall i 
emerge 
from the obscurity?

Or are you digging a crawlway in a secretive attempt to engineer an escape path from a high-security cell?

Where and when 
shall i 
emerge 
from the obscurity?

As i walk hesitantly under a feeble artificial light, 
i wonder
— have i spent all my life in a tunnel
trapped between these heavy brick walls under the ground?

Where and when 
shall i 
emerge 
from the obscurity?