I understand colorful metaphors.  What I don’t understand and can’t tolerate is when the primary color of such metaphor is the blackest black. References to the intimacy tendencies of a certain gender towards the maternal and references to the intimacy sans the maternal reference is beyond appalling.  Can you turn a deaf ear (or become ear blind – well isn’t it possible to be ear blind if you can be nose blind?  Thanks to the marketing firm for Fabreze) to profanity when it is incorporated without compunction into daily conversation?

“What’s that have to do with being thankful?” 

Language that was once censured is now acceptable.  As frightening as it is to hear vulgarity in conversation as if the language was intended for such butchery, I’m thankful not to have to experience that dialog except on rare occasions when I am in places that are impossible to avoid.

A maudlin introduction to the missive, yes I know.  There are inevitabilities in life to which we are subjected notwithstanding our best efforts to avoid them.

We are civilized society most of the time.  I reel emotionally when civilization turns uncivilized, even for a rare moment. Think road rage. It’s easy for passion to rule in the heat of the moment.  I’m thankful for the presence of mind to pause and gather before acting or reacting.  Unfortunately once a rapier-like tongue is wielded, it’s impossible to uninjure the freshly wounded.  Significant efforts are required to apply salve and try to mend what moments before was not broken.

Maybe it’s my age but I have less time to deal.  I’d rather spend time building up rather than tearing down.  I believe we all feel that way.  It’s not about us being the originator of such verbal deliveries.  It is about us being the object.

Yes I’ve had lapses.  The last I checked I am human and absent scientific breakthrough will continue thusly.  I’m not pontificating or proselytizing – glass houses and stones and the like are front of mind. 

My point: there is simple nobility in colorful communication that is constructive, engaging, dramatic or humorous all without being destructive.

Love someone today with kind words.  Keep the metaphors to a minimum – it’s an interesting self-education, self-actualization and strengthening exercise.  If you are inclined, this could be a Lenten sacrifice that probably wouldn’t be much of a sacrifice.

Have a wonderfully uplifting day.

Love and hugs, Nikki Nicole DeCaro