The Melbourne Cup Losses

Wednesday 3^rd Novenber 1999

And so we performed the ritual of mutual ignorance about the gallops around a assortment of nibbles and alcohol. We transcended work and commitment, attaining the nirvanic bliss of irrationality.

Sharing in the hope of a win and the near inevitable loss of the punt we connected with the divine truth of human existence: we are mortal. We are human.

No other Australian ritual sends almost every person on a rollercoaster of emotion, ending finally with a moment of personal silence, reflection and submission to the harsh reality of existence.

Then we return from the momentary lapse of reason into the cacophany of winners and losers. A room abuzz with postmortems and broadcast commentators declaring the joys of this year's three minute orgasm. We return to the rationalisations of the daily grind.

We return a little more human.

end of rant.