the most telling response

silence.

it embodies the uneasiness at having to say something, anything at all -- when one hears of bad news. it embodies the quiet anger of having been maligned, provoked -- but when there is no recourse to redress. it embodies the quiet approval of the status quo -- or the lack of concern for it anyway. it embodies the lack of knowledge of what is at hand -- or so profound that words are just not enough. it embodies the surprise at an unexpected visit or remark, and the inability to respond adequately to it.

i remain silent when i read reports about elections in singapore. i've gone to the stage where i refuse to comment on it anymore.

i remain silent when i read some blogs.

i remain silent when i see some people come online, or indeed when i see them.

i could write about the most profound question in the world; i could ask for the reason of my existence, and the answer would be a resounding silence. yet i can be satisfied, because with some things, you just don't have to say anything anymore. you're beyond that, or rather, you think it's so hopeless anyway.