TIDBITS

                              HANDS

What is there in this world, among all its inhabitants, that is more versatile, more dexterous, and even, in the eyes of many, more gorgeous than the human hand? This includes ugly hands, shaped like claws, threatening in looks while still being beautiful. And should some few come along and make those hands into jewelry, why, they would become even more attractive. And if those hands are made, each and every one, not only into jewelry but also into earrings, well, by golly, they then become even more excitingly good-looking. And now, ladies and gentlemen, let us go forth, shall we, and segue away. The topic, strangely enough, is our hands. They symbolize, in ancient cultures, protection, power, and a divine touch. They are, as it happens, strange and delicate, and functional and versatile, and also a bit amazing. They comprise five branching digits packed into a configuration that can cradle, build, bless, and crush. Is there ever a time in our lives, I wonder, when we do not use them? And is there ever a time in our lives when we are using them that we are conscious of the fact that we are using them? We shake hands. Then, piff paff poof, we’re on our way. We pick up our knives and forks, cut our food, eat till sated, and then it’s ta-ta, kiddo.