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Ganges river dolphin

The Observer

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August 24, 2025

The dark is my delight.

- As told to Simon Barnes

In the gloom of the river I perceive the world around me as plainly as those that live in the superficial world see in the flashbulb light of the sun. Their obscurity is my clarity. In the murk I can see for miles.

Monday

Though to be accurate I actually see very little: and that would still be true if my eyes were as powerful as an eagle's. Here in the Koshi river there's nothing to see. That's if you're narrow enough to think that seeing is something to do with eyes. I don't see the world: I hear it. For me the world is a soundscape that has depth, perspective, size and relative speed. And it's all in the rebound of my echoing voice.

Tuesday

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