Watching the people's revolution in Egypt, everyone has to wonder what it will mean. For them and for us. One thing everyone should understand -- revolutions always ignite the law of unintended consequences.
Which means the autocrats of the Arab world and the plutocrats of the Western world need to tuck themselves into their beds at night just a little more tightly. The "few" have always ruled the world; but the "many" continue breeding both babies and discontent.
And yet...
Despite the tides of change in our lives, there is always the shores of stability. Take for example the stability of traditions like the annual class reunion. This spring another several thousand will gather together in some campus or hotel where Past meets Present. Whether you're ready or not. It's an ancient tribal ritual into which classmates are lured for various reasons. Subconscious as well as conscious. Behold what you can expect:
* The star quarterback -- now fatter, balding yet as loud as you remember him from the lunch-table
* The beauty queen -- now fatter, toned yet as coquettish as you remember her when she told you no
* The class nerd -- now fatter, confident and richer than anyone in the room
* The class bully -- now fatter, subdued and remarkably gentle after a life that has bullied him for years
* That special guy -- now fatter, wrinkled but whose eyes still seem to remember
* That special gal -- now fatter, slower but whose eyes you hope can still can remember
* That favorite teacher -- now fatter, grayer and for some incredible unlikely reason can't remember your name
Ready? Well, maybe you're not quite psychologically equipped. OK, no problem. Just take out the old yearbook, and smile a little; as you too tuck yourself in a little more tightly
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They both scare me a little
ReplyDeleteJack, wait a minute. Where do the few of us who are not fatter fit in? Balding, yes.
ReplyDeleteJerry, you're right. But lets face it -- you lean ones are in the minority
ReplyDeleteClass reunions for women are all about how much weight can I lose before the big day. As the days dwindle down and our waistline did not ~ any excuse not to go will do! I am fortunate to live in a small town, went to a small school. My graduating class was 40 students. I run into half of them at any given time. Facebook makes it hard to hide who is fatter, bald, grey, divorced and remarried 2, 3 or 4 times! So when past meets present go with it and enjoy those memories of the days when we were optimistic,invincible and full of energy! Everyone will be in the same boat...older!
ReplyDeletePatty ~ Wisely and bravely said. Especially about how what was once "invincible" is now "older." Ah so, the law and rhythm of life. Big cities and small towns alike....
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