In Appreciation........ of the simple pleasures of life...

Zeena Singh For Eastern Mirror Sunday Hello folks, I believe that life has so much to give if only we cared to give a little thought to the most minuscule of joys (which we’d find so much of) only if we’d stop looking at the looming discomforts and discontents. So here I am, to share with you the simplest joys in my life as I have experienced some time in my life and those that I take as I face each day, at a time. Of being Full and Filled A sudden vicious attack – blow after blow. Mild petulance turns displeasure into a provocation, an annoyance, aggravation to infuriation, exasperation irrevocably leads into exploding rage till the counter-offensive saves the day. Every creature under God’s sun, without a smattering of doubt, has met the challenge and tackled this assault that I speak about. I give voice, verbalise and declare that I have been prey and suffered casualty to its fatality. Not once, not twice. Incalculable they have been. Pangs ! This volley my friends, is Hunger!“That sensation that represents the physiological need to eat food;” Hunger, “the most commonly used term to describe the condition of people who suffer from a chronic lack of sufficient food and constantly or frequently experience that physical sensation.......” ......the very recognizable, established , time-honoured crash and growl, roar and thunder of the belly. Though lethal, a note of assurance from me says there’s redemption in assuaging, allaying and dispelling the confrontation. Food. That which provides energy, maintains life and stimulates growth, does so. I would prefer not to be mistaken a ‘foodie’ . I do not live to eat; but I do confess to my helpless vulnerability when exposed to high degrees of gastrointestinal tonus. That one portion of the anatomy is then all- consuming. The power it wields is indescribable. It overrides all else, petering out other functions to a near freezing standstill. The body once full of vigour, vitality and vivacity, is deplete, down and dwindling to its lowest. Mayhem upheaval, turmoil and disorder take over. Perplexity reigns. Intense twinges of wrenching spasms wreck all forms of endurance or tolerance, causing devastation to the mind and spirit too let alone the body. Food, the balm to this sore distress, only a tooth- sink nibble away. A single morsel - sufficiently adequate liberates it of all disquiet. Now calm, contentment, placated ease of cosy wellbeing extends. Cells are invigorated, revitalised. Pores breathe easy. New liveliness and oomph flow through the veins. An uncontrolled compelling shove sets the body on a get-up-and-go mode. The mind takes wing, wheeling, rocketing, escalating, and buoyant. A feeling of pure delight - quenched and satiated –appreciation straight from the gut. As I write this, a song resounds in my head, part of which i share as perhaps I can recognise its precedent as many of you dear readers may too. “Food, glorious food! Hot sausage and mustard! While we’re in the mood – Cold jelly and custard! Peas Pudding and Saveloys What next is the question? Rich gentlemen have it, boys- In digestion! Food, glorious food! We’re anxious to try it Three banquets a day Our favourite diet Just picture a great big steak Fried roasted or stewed Of food! Magical food! Wonderful food! Marvellous food!” ( Lyrics written by Lionel Bart-this is part of the opening song from the 1960’s West end and Broadway musical and film Oliver – as in Charles Dickens’s story of Oliver Twist ). Feedback at zzeez_s@yahoo.com