Tuesday 14 April 2015

Youth and Old Age



                                                                             (image source)

Two sharply etched images remain in my subconscious after today’s outing to the Bank and the Post office. One is of an old man, struggling with his walking stick, a bunch of papers in his hand; his thick glasses perched on his nose, straggly sparse grayed white hair, totally engrossed in what the bunch of papers hold.

As usual, my imagination runs riot-has his monthly income scheme matured? Like my mother, is he crediting his grandchildren’s accounts or is he barely able to eke out his sunset years from his carefully saved retirement benefits which he has tried to maximize with his very frugal existence? 


Behind my car, there is urgent honking from a white City Honda. As it overtakes me, I see a young lad of around 20 something behind the wheel looking very dashing and impressive. I think of my son driving the family car, rushing ahead, with not a moment to spare.

Wonder whether the child driving the City Honda owns it, or it is papa’s generosity? Also regarding the old gentleman, do his children have time for him? More pertinent is the thought of who is really more dignified and impressive of the two-the one carefully handling his hard earned money or the one dashing about in his fancy car?  Just give it a thought!!

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