PM slumming it in Rodrigues

Ever since my invisible pooch, Zoltan, learned of Ti-Ramgoolam?s visit to Rodrigues (L?express Rod. 07/03), he hasn?t been able to contain his excitement, and has gone off his food.

Despite intensive medical intervention, recurring nightmares still torment my canine friend. The same poisoned dream still visits him in the dark ? of every night. That is, vivid images, in living colour, of Ti-Ramgoolam landing at Plaine Corail airport astride a giant Pegasus (minus the Aston Villa).

Zoltan speaks of seeing the unholy trinity of Judas Iscariot, Brutus and Benedict Arnold face down on the tarmac, on all fours, yellow fangs dripping with fresh bone and flesh, waiting to greet their beloved Emperor.

Zoltan also recalls ticker-tape parades from La Ferme to Port-Mathurin, and streets lined with counter-rotating-eyed uncle-Toms, madly waving their shackles like a badge of honour. Baby-whales too, he says, are selflessly beaching themselves off Baie-Malgache to feed the people. Ahh, what a sight, poor Zoltan!

Invariably, the dream always becomes foggy when Pegasus turns into a Gorgon, and ends up chasing Zoltan from his country. No wonder, his tail wags ? no more.

Don?t know what to make of my beleaguered little mutt?s dream; I guess it?s something to do with Emperor Augustus returning to Rome ? after Caesar?s demise.

Alain LEVEQUE