Friday, December 26, 2008

Randomness

How do I waste time? Let me count the ways. Laughing and crying over Four Weddings and a Funeral for the 21sttime; adding my 220th friend on Facebook; reading pretty pointless poetry to get maudlin; writing a blog no one ever reads; trawling the net mindlessly while putting off writing that important email; dreaming of heroic deeds when those clothes are crying to be put out to dry. I waste time with all the insouciance of youth, a not-so-young woman anymore.

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The ironing man needs to be paid and so does the electricity bill. What’s for dinner tonight needs to be decided now – the cook is clamouring for a decision. A long and busy day awaits. An important day, filled with important decisions and important clients and important meetings. What does it matter that America has a black president, that Kashmir has gone to the polls peacefully, that newer war zones are being created in our backyards, that Nobel Prizes are being won. The minutiae of her life absorb her; a minor insignificant foot soldier in the shaping of momentous history.

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It was a kind of flirting, she knew. Harmlessly provocative sms-es that make her feel more intensely alive, more than just a platonic friend. Suggestiveness over long distance seems less dangerous – and as suggestive, if that makes any sense. He sees her smiling into her mobile phone and thinks she has a great smile. He tries to catch her eye but she is too absorbed in her messaging. And so he gives up and turns to find a newspaper.


6 comments:

UL said...

"insouciance"& "minutiae" - loved the way you used them...keep bringing these thoughts out, I sure read and catch up on your thoughts whenever the opportunity arises...

small talk said...

:) thank you.

Anonymous said...

I read it regularly and now K has one too... Shobha

small talk said...

Thanks Shobha... :) what is K's blog?

Anonymous said...

Mmm...everything but a waste of time. Laughing and crying are wonderfully cathartic. The people who care do read your blog and it's so nice to get a unique perspective on life, that's yours and yours alone. And about the insouciance of youth..it shows you're still young at heart..so many of us let go of the child in us too easily. Great blogging!!

small talk said...

Thanks K. I know...it is not really wasting time. But it sometimes feels like it...especially when you feel like you are growing old, time is running out and there are so many things to do!!!

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