I do understand that the hour of half past four is, historically speaking, a period of considerable activity upon the university grounds. One might even expect a modest accumulation of motor vehicles, for scholars and staff alike must, regrettably, return to their respective homes.
And yet, I must respectfully inquire: must it truly take half an hour merely to escape the premises?
At least, during the customary rush hour, traffic possessed the decency to move. Slowly, perhaps, but move it did. Today, however, I found myself trapped upon campus as though imprisoned by an exceedingly elaborate Victorian moat, surrounded by several hundred automobiles whose drivers appeared to have collectively forgotten the fundamental principles of forward motion.
I arrived at 4:30 with the modest expectation that I might eventually leave campus. A naïve ambition, as it turns out.
I therefore extend my sincerest gratitude to whatever administrative forces have contrived this most innovative system of vehicular gridlock. Truly, it is a remarkable achievement that one may traverse the entirety of campus in considerably less time than it takes to actually depart from it.
I remain, as ever,
Deeply humbled by the experience and only marginally resentful.