Expressions

Recently I was contemplative over the question, ‘Why one writes?’ It appears to me that in spite of all faculties for communication, it becomes impossible for a person, at times, to communicate emotional issues. Oral communication is probably inadequate to convey the feelings. Feelings are the language of the heart which the head fails to communicate. Does it mean that the love letters are manifestations of communication obscurity? I do not know. I must go to the youngsters to resolve the issue. But one thing is certain. A person always wants to communicate those things which he/she feels were not properly communicated or communicated inadequately. This urge for expression may be the answer I sought. But this answer is confined to soft instincts. You can not write niceties of pure science, mathematics or history in the language of the heart.

I embarked upon the subject because I had started writing short stories in late sixties which got recognition when I got awards in different occasions in early seventies. While analyzing the prime mover, it dawned on me that I had a bagful of thoughts then which did not find expression in my ordinary oral skills. I wanted to say more and found a medium in shape of story writing. That apart, I wanted to tell a story playing upon my emotions as well as borrowed emotions. In those moments I feel, as if I was in a trance, experiencing exactly the same emotions that the narrative described. Only those stories had larger audience.

  I am inclined to believe that greetings on occasions are expressions of the heart rather than head. New Year has remained a special event for me, over many years, not because of celebrations but owing to the camaraderie and bonhomie which are so infectious that one loses control over cerebral plexus and tends to become emotional instead. Earlier I was receiving and dispatching a fair amount of greeting cards which are now replaced by SMS and emails. But what stands out is a “Hello” from a near and dear one wishing ‘Happy New Year’. I know, in course of time, such greetings will thin out. But I am sure I will enjoy the fading fragrance of the expressions which are more eloquent in its silence.