My Ph.D. defence

The rigamarole of a Ph.D. defence cannot be understated. I had been planning for it for about 5 years, the last year of which was deliriously fast paced. Everything from the selection of my paranymphs to the layout of my thesis, was a passion, was done with haste. It's that feeling you get when you stay up late into the next day pouring over minor details.

The pandemic unfolded around me, and I didn't see it at first. And, then it dawned on me that I would not be having the pompous ceremony, nor the jovial dreaded frabjous day... Callooh! Callay!! Nor, would I find that I could ought but eat, those quivering moments to their dismay. Nay, not a single thing could fall in place.

I still took great pleasure in walking down the hall, with my guardian nymphs leading the way. In 45 minutes I was through with it, all clean and annointed was I! And, those nymphs, they did not disappoint, not even a pandemic could blaspheme their plans. Still a week later I was feeling the warmth of their praise and their plays.