An Allegory: This Train Don't Stop There Anymore
allegory |algr| noun ( pl. -ries) a story, poem, or picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning, typically a moral or political one
I used to ride the same train just about every day frequently more than once-a-day. Over the years riding that train, I came to make a number of friends and acquaintances -- some with whom I interacted only casually and occasionally, others with whom I became what I consider "strong friends."
The early years of riding the train, service was reliable, the interior comfortable, the conversation lively to intense, varied and often stimulating. My co-passengers sometimes shared personal information -- anything from joyful to tragic; we were something of a community, a family!
But things began to change -- and not for the better. New passengers were riding in the cars, some who fit right in, some not. More and more conversations became not only contentious, in some instances they became ugly. Respectful disagreement when there were differences of opinion, once the rule, devolved to the exception. Personal Insults often became intimidating, and where there once had been thoughtful dialogue, bullying and ignorance prevailed on many of the rides.
And the car conductors who were once moderately helpful (even intervening when circumstances warranted) became conspicuous by their absence! An exception to this was manifested by the dissemination of "information", mostly to riders of long-standing -- changes were in the works and not necessarily the kind that would benefit anyone but the transit administration.
In spite of objections to these changes expressed by a significant portion of the ridership, transformations resulting in slower rides, apparent administrative indifference to the obnoxious new riders and a cumbersome boarding arrangement came -- and many riders left -- many in search of other transportation.
Shit happens! I get that. But here's what I find most troubling about the aforementioned experience.
Although I found another train (along with some of my fellow passengers from the other train), some of my friends who still ride that other train seem to be avoiding me -- they don't respond to my e-mails, etc. and I'm wondering if it's simply because I chose to ride a different train.
I hope that's not the case and I hope those friends who have not returned my e-mails are well.
I mean, what's the difference if my train doesn't stop where their train stops?
Could that possibly be the cause of the end to a friendship?
God, I hope not.
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I mean, what's the difference if my train doesn't stop where their train stops?
Could that possibly be the cause of the end to a friendship?
God, I hope not.
I don't know if it is the attitude of the other train-- which has become hostile of late, or the sheer relief of being on a train that is guided by sanity... But, I know exactly what you mean. After all, I was publically stoned for my defection. Such fun!
I know that in my case, it was the cause of an end to several friendships... Which is sad-- I didn't feel that way, why should they?
It shouldn't have to be this way...
And yes, they ignore my emails, my messages... What is, is. If they are willing to lose friendship over it, then they weren't my friends, were they?
Just be happy with the train that you are now on, and don't sweat about the one you left. You have friends here, and those from the train you abandoned who now ignore you have proven to not be true friends, but only fair-weather ones. Most of us here have abandoned the old train so we are, can we say, in the same boat? Oops, wrong allegory.
I guess people on the other train got so used to it that they were blinded by the changes in service. Like a bad marriage, they will not leave and rationalize that the train they are on is the best one there is. Of course, those who left (to them) are traitors.
I've encouraged friends to come here. Some have, some have not responded at all. I felt sad when I watched the end of Dowser's excellent exit video and she ran her friends' names like credits at the end of a film. It reminded me of all the people I used to know. But many are here now and I really like this stop.
Thanks, Pat-- me too! I love it here!
I'm not sure if this is an allegory, but it seems appropriate.
I could probably come up with one of my own, but that will require some thought.
That is absolutely right-- we're here now, among friends. Our train is going to many different stations, and isn't it fun?