We’ve been faulted for rushing at the sound of the pistol.
One cannot deny how swiftness of mind
Might jar with an editorial drive,
Which task is to transmit – I should say protect –
With maximum precision, something memorable.

I find the critics to be grossly misguided,
The question always was, always is :
Have we been won over by something unsubstantial ?
And that, since we started
Not needing crutches nor gods, is unlikely.

Image credit : Hiroshi Hamaya, « Children going to a New Year’s event », Niigata, 1956