STUMBLING to MUMBLING
STUMBLING to MUMBLING
Stumbling… Bubbling … Struggling … etc etc. Lets have a look at what all happens in life through these similar sounding actions.
We all have had numerous tumbles in
our life. As toddlers we stand up to walk, STUMBLE and get up to do it all over
again. Stumbling, getting up and doing it again are part of learning; whether
learning to walk or learning to cycle.
Bruised shins, knees or elbows are
hidden from mothers in the eagerness to learn cycling. And then the sheer joy
of cycling. It put wings to us ! As evening draws near, we run out with our
cycles to roam the mohalla or park with friends.
Doing an errand gave an opportunity to cycle, and we were always ready to do it!
Doing an errand gave an opportunity to cycle, and we were always ready to do it!
We grow up. Schools start with the
daily SCRAMBLING to get ready in time with school bag, uniform etc to catch the
school bus. It involved scrambling by mothers too, to pack our tiffin box for
us !
Reaching school there was scrambling to dump our bags in class and rush to
prayer time in the grounds. PT classes were also occasions of scrambling to do
the exercises properly, in tune and time.
There were numerous occasions of
stumbling in games, sport events etc. All part of growing up. Oh the joys of
scrambling !!
Night time saw us falling down in
sleep tired with all the activities of the hectic day. We looked forward to
SNUGGLING to sleep with mother or grandmother, but getting up in the morning to find we were
sleeping somewhere else.
School days also had poetry recitals,
plays, etc. The teachers decided who will be what and we learnt our parts with
joy. Thinking that my part is the best in the show, we impatiently waited to
reach home, BUBBLING with excitement to recite / play out the part before our
parents to get showers of praise. The sheer joy of acting out the parts in fancy
dresses made out of coloured paper, tinsel, feathers etc.
Teenage exposes us to life, bringing
us out slowly from the close protection of parents. It also finds us BUMBLING
to make new friends, how to cope with problems, new horizons of learning and freedom etc.
Later in life we find all of it so hilariously funny. Newer friendships with
the other sex sees us FUMBLING to find words of what to say ! All this bumbling
and fumbling takes us out of teenage and the Rock / Steel/ Loud music age, to
serious intentions of professional studies and a career. This age also brings
care-freeness in our life, such as going around in crazy clothes, not having
enough clean clothes in hostel, TUMBLING to bed in jeans and shoes on. The
cares and thoughts are different altogether.
Having entered a career and
profession brings us STRUGGLING to make out a living sometimes alone in a new city
Married and gradually entering middle age sees us GRUMBLING now at our own
children; grumbling at our self for the BUNGLING decisions which have been
taken over the years causing us financial losses or loss of opportunities.
The stomach also gives out RUMBLING
sounds now and then, reminding us that our digestion is no more young and we
have to be cautious in our food habits.
Having lived a few decades of married
life, the spouse is no longer afraid to speak their mind. They resort to
MUMBLING from the other room or with the fridge door open- taking things out-
head half inside- completely inaudible or when you are out in the verandah /
balcony etc etc. You get the drift. Mumbling is exasperating and gets your
goat. You ask what’s going on – no reply- you ask louder, you get accused of
shouting and you become defensive. Some have a genetic expertise in this
regard. You know the script !!
Now a senior citizen in the 70’s or
more, you look back. Having crossed three or more generations, you expect the fourth generation
now to be in the Fumbling and Bumbling stage. But Lo and Behold ! They are now
made of stronger stuff and have crossed over into the Guzzling stage!!
That;s Life and it’s rather a HUMBLING experience.
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