The dotted line

Jerome moved to the Seregenti recently to fit in with other non-talking zebras. Yet, besides grazing, drinking, and hearing Circle of Life play in his head as he grieves his friend who found a new home in the innards of a Pepsi-drinking bad cheetah, Jerome does little more than bray at the occasional National Geographic crew that comes too close for comfort. Bottom line is, Jerome loves to write, and he likes to show off his peculiar sense of humour. This has formed the impetus for him to return to Uzbekistan and start talking to people again.

Jerome likes new experiences. As he has alluded in past entries, he is one animal that cannot stay still. He would rather be chased by a Pepsi-drinking bad cheetah than stay under the shade to munch on his greens. And he is grateful to have found himself personified as Marty in Madagascar. That aside, zebras also have dreams; not the “monster under the bed” kind, but dreams about the future, or what some people will term, aspirations.

Jerome is, arguably, still young. He is barely a quarter of a century old, and there are crossroads on his way back to Uzbekistan that he need to ponder upon before taking his next step.

In fact, Jerome is at a crossroad now, and he is uncertain of the direction to place his hooves on. He blames the weather for creating the haze ahead of him, for he cannot tell what lies ahead. Yet, interestingly, he has a map. A map that started off as a blank sheet of papyrus but is gradually getting filled up with advice from wise men he met along his way.

Should Jerome continue in the direction he is at, or attempt to change course? One of the wise man left a parting message: “Do not be afraid to change (course).”

Jerome now stands in the middle of the crossroad, map held in hand, thoughts racing in mind. He has to set off soon before dusk arrives. Jerome is grateful to the wise men who wrote on his papyrus and shared their experiences.

For those who have read the above and is beginning to get annoyed by zebra-esque metaphors, Jerome rephrases himself in human English.

Should he sign on?