Today this baby boomer is mourning the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was, since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape.
He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as: knowing when to come in out of the rain; why the early bird gets the worm; life isn't always fair; and maybe it was my fault.
Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies - don't spend more than you can earn; and reliable strategies - Adults, not Children, are in charge.
His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well-intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place; reports of a 6 -year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate. Teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition.
Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job that they themselves had failed to do in disciplining their unruly children. It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent a band-aid or an aspirin to a student.
Common Sense lost the will to live as churches became businesses; and criminals received better treatment than their victims.
Common Sense took a beating when you couldn't defend yourself from a burglar in your own home and the burglar could sue you for assault.
Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in her lap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement.
Common Sense was preceded in death by His parents, Truth and Trust; His wife,
Discretion; His daughter, Responsibility; and His son, Reason. He is survived by his 3 stepbrothers; I Know My Rights, Someone Else Is To Blame, and I'm A Victim.
Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone.
6 comments:
Beautiful peace!
I also mourn the death of common sense. Every day, there is something that comes up that makes you miss him so terribly.
Maria
Sigh.. and to think I'd been kept in the dark all this time. I didn't even see the obituary notice in the paper!
You're right, so few realize he's gone, because so few ever use him anymore. Such a waste!
Boy, do you have that one right! People are suing over whatever might bring in some money, teachers are walking a tightrope, and anyone who could even consider charging a 6-year-old with sexual harassment has to be out of their mind. Common sense, like Elvis, has left the planet!
What poetry!! I love the metaphor. It challenges me to examine how Common Sense shows up in my life more closely to ensure she's still alive and well. THANKS for this awesome post!
Warmly,
Wendyy
Like I always say- "Being Educated, and having Common Sense is not one and the same. Show me a person that is quick to claim "I'm Educated"...and I'll probably show you someone that lacks common sense/intelligence.
See, I knew something was up cause there is MADNESS all around. Imma miss Common Sense. Hopefully it will be reincarnated..and soon!
Margaret
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