Category: Uncategorized
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Here’s ado to lock up honesty
We are always on stage aren’t we? Always actors in a changing play. I am elderly now, but still amazed at the parts I am expected to play. I was a doctor once -or is that a permanent role with permanent obligations?- so to some, there is still an expectation of lingering wisdom that I […]
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The Raven himself is hoarse
Now that Time is exacting an increasing toll upon my ears, I’m beginning to become more sensitive to sounds. Not better able to hear them, of course, but more appreciative of what there is to hear; simple things that before would have passed unnoticed in the day, are suddenly treasures: the ringing timbre of a […]
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A Pentimento for your thoughts?
Ever since I became aware of the practice, I have been fascinated with pentimenti. The idea of reusing a canvas is understandable when supplies are scant or expensive I suppose, but somehow, painting over a previous attempt smacks of desecration. Of course, if the eventual product has worth, and demonstrates skill and imagination, perhaps interest […]
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I go, and it is done
What is the meaning of Death; for that matter, what is Death? When I was a very young child, I didn’t understand why my parents were upset when I used to wander off to play on the banks of the fast-flowing river near our house. I realized why they might be concerned when I ventured […]
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Fear can neither fight nor fly
We are a vain species to be sure: the pinnacle of creation, the standard against which all else can and should be measured, the judge and jury of any trial. In fairness though, I suppose, we can only use what we were given, and our criteria are of necessity human criteria, so we assess the […]
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Who will bell the country?
Disagreements, rancour, failure to compromise – I suspect there are times when we all wish there were another way to govern, wish there were another system. But our inability to come up with a suitable alternative mirrors the problem. Even if we could imagine other solutions, it’s unlikely we would ever agree on the one […]
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Hang our banners on the outward walls
Ever since I was a small child, I have had an aversion to arguments; I have recognized that my opinions can never be imposed by strength. Only by means of vocabularic confusion could I ever hope to win a dispute -and even then, only by quickly withdrawing from the arena of combat. Of course one […]
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The ceremony of intangibles
Meetings! Why do we meet each Wednesday morning? Why does Harbir usually choose a black turban for our meetings, although sometimes when I see him on the street, he’s wearing a blue one? And why is he always so cheery, his eyes twinkling, his entire face smiling…? For that matter, why is Jamie always so […]
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A touch that never hurts
What is it about touch? Why is it often more personal than sight, friendlier than sound, more reassuring than words? Not all touch is equal, of course, and yet there is a reciprocity to it that the other senses lack: we can speak without being heard, or observe without being seen, but touch is mutually […]