The title is clever. The tune is catchy. And it annoys my grandson whenever I sing it repeatedly. I stop whenever I get the expected response from him, that being, “Ah-h-h-h-h!”
The animal kingdom may have their own language with grunts and growls, but I’m guessing that it doesn’t come close to the human language. Maybe because we exhibit more emotion and determination. Domesticated animals respond to voice commands because of conditioning and rewards. We never have a discussion with them regarding their behavior; if so, it would be all one-sided.
My native tongue, English, is replete with innuendos and double-entendres, making if difficult to understand the true intent, let alone try to form a response. Words are powerful. Consider the children’s rhyme:
Sticks and stones may break my bones,
But words will never hurt me.
Not true. Words spoken or written can generate a number of feelings inside of us. I’ll be the first to admit that in my own life I am often affected by words sent my way. I must check myself quickly in order not to respond in haste. I also notice how many times I have misunderstood comments. On many an occasion I find later that they were not directed toward me, were not meant in the way that I took them, or were certainly not worth me being worked up about.
My wife says I’m a ponderer, and she’s right. When I receive a negative comment or response from someone, I can mull it over for hours, or even days, before I’m willing to let it go. On the other hand I can receive a kind remark from someone I don’t generally care for, and it’s as if they were never unkind to me. Someone that I am confident is an untruthful person can so embellish a statement that I am eager and willing to consider that they are being honest with me. Along with being a ponderer, I seem to be a responder-er.
Read more »
