I’m involved in elaborate travels for the purposes of creativity. A group of folks who work together—I am one—are traveling the world over. We are forming and unforming and reforming. Solve et Coagula (“dissolve” and “coagulate,” the motto of alchemy).

I am at a security clearance portal when I become aware that I have been chosen for extraordinary scrutiny. “Give this guy the total treatment,” I hear. I am not worried because I have nothing concealed and nothing I need to conceal. My work is to reveal. So I stand spread-eagled, spread my arms to the sky, assuming the position, with Pentecostal enthusiasm. I am worked over with various pattings, rubbings, samplings—and I am clear.

However, at that moment comes word that some sort of security check has brought up my involvement with a V. J. Waxman. I recognize immediately the fictitious personality that an associate—that Guy again!—has used, for whatever reason.

Suddenly I am aware that this is taking a lot of time, and I could miss my flight.

At that thought, one of my colleagues just happens to step up to the same security portal. I call out, “You’re not going to believe this, but they’re going to come up with V. J. Waxman.” It’s going to take a while.

But, after various meanderings, I am on my way again. The action continues. The episodes flow forth with undiminished force… I feel every nuanced fluctuation of atmospheric pressure … as I move on, metabolizing my trajectories with thorough amazement…