Graduation Squares

Resting, together. Sphinx restless, Sheba intent. The Banyan tree above them drips with leaves. Searching for the ground.

On the day, the wonderful day, began the Interpreters, of the diploma granting, at the beginning of the day, when we have had our breakfast and we have put on our long gowns with colours and fluffy sections and bandanas which denote our new standing. Only then, we stand in line to receive our Headgear or Hats, we call them our Squares, but tis just an affection or affectation. In hand.

Next, after another tea, we stand in ranks, each one holding their Square in their left paw or gripping mechanism. Some Interpreters have no gripping mechanisms, so there is a Society for the provision Of Grip Associates (SOGA) which will provide, on request and examination of relevant paperwork, to include photographic proof and testimonials, a grip substitute. The SOGA member will stand at the side of the graduate and on the given signal, will launch the Square into the air.

On that given signal, the graduates and their SOGAs will launch their personal squares into the above.

What is then happening next is quite controversial. The squares, dependent on quality and experience, are seen to dance, aerially. Exhibiting various patterns and flowing from one format to the next, not unlike a murmuration. This choreography is then annotated by experts for later perusal.

The Soga society, having a depth, in time and money, of the graduation displays, have become the experts in reading the meaning, etiquette and aesthetic of the square dances.

The learned tome, Graduations and their Consequent Square Dances, quite a mouthful, was published over a century ago, and contains records, in stop frame motion, of literally thousands of examples which we cannot show here, maybe just one or two anyway.

The aforementioned consequences come in various flavors. First up, the classic grid, flowing into a succession of Euclidean staples. Next a series of lines of Morse code spelling out ‘congratulations’ across the sky. Finally, on this instance, a swirling Celtic knot signifying the unending nature of the universe, snake eating its own tail sort of idea.

The dancing ness or choreography is most often conjured by a professional aerial artiste. But as these artistes are in demand et aussi coute tres cher, it is not uncommon for an amateur amongst the graduating group to ‘Have a go’ and design some square dances all by their own.

Speak to me now, said Sheba, speak to me now of the composition and design of the Squares themselves.

They are not square but have a tiny radius at each corner to render them less sharp and dangerous in flight, the main part is fashioned by digital printing in processed regolith to maintain the lightness in weight. All colours are welcome of course.

Pause yourself, said Sheba, I shall get a pencil and paper to record the detail.

Suit yourself, said the interpreters, we are at your service.

Who is at my service? Asked she Sphinx.