Ghost of a flea

There's a big difference between people who gain significance (even if only in their own eyes) by marking stuff up with graffiti, and graffiti that's interesting because of the person who wrote it. Even if the Harry Potter books are forgotten in fifty years--not too likely, but you never know--Rowling's little mark will still be a more interesting relic from a bygone era than if someone had marked up the statue with "Sk8ter Boi wuz here."

I recently spent some time with someone very cool, so cool in fact s/he rarely smiled let alone expressed unabashed enthusiasm for anyone or anything. I admit s/he was impressively attired and could glide through the most daunting gothic social contexts. But I find when I am with people like that I too smile less and enjoy myself less no matter how vaunted the company.