| Cities & Signs-Leaving there and continuing for six days towards the south, you reach the city's border. Now I tell you, beyond those walls there lies a land, which hides the secret to all cities, real and imagined. To reach it is by no means straightforward. Nearby, a sack of toys are buried - small houses, a clock tower, a church - symbols of the city which, once correctly arranged, will lead to the enchanted city's discovery. The blocks are placed in various configurations - perfect circles, swirls and celestial patterns. Others come in search of the city, filling the little buildings with meanings - representations of food, land and wares. Like toys, pieces of the city are traded and argued-over. As conflicts arise, the players continue their game. Strategies emerge, yet the city continues to be elusive. The sages have long discussed whether the city truly exists. What is understood, is that the infinite city is never perceived nor revealed. It only invites people to play its game. |
