We Need People, Don’t We?

It’s safe to say that most people in town are still sleeping this morning because it’s hard to beat rain as a lullaby. And, it’s raining. And dark and cool. Rain–that’s my excuse for posting late. But the Folgers is hot and strong and I have a few things to say.

My grandson and I sometimes get into philosophy. He has some pretty deep thoughts on the subject. With the shadow of another school year looming, I was afraid he’d be sad. “No, I’m glad,” he said. “I get to meet my friends.” Then he went on to tell me that everybody needs friends and we all need each other, people around us.

“I heard about a man who spent twenty years alone on a desert island,” I told him. “I don’t know how he fared, though, nor how he felt mentally and emotionally.”

We thought about that for a minute. And then, I delved further into this intriguing subject. It’s a paradox that this generation has so many labor-saving devices and so many near-miraculous avenues of “going places” and “visiting with people” through the internet. But, we do all that while sitting in our living rooms, not really hearing another voice or touching anyone or giving a hug. We do this all “virtually”.

Yesterday, I got groceries at one of our brand new stores with up to the minute technology. The check-out stands looked somehow different, a little strange and lonely. There were no checkers! Each shopper had to check out her own cart full of food. Oh, there were two or three employees standing around, friendly and helpful for old fuddy duddies like me who might not understand just how to get out of there with food in hand. But, I missed the chat, just the simple presence of an actual, live person on the other side of the check-out stand. This is supposed to be better, faster, and shoppers don’t have to stand in line waiting. Maybe. After we master the brazen little machine. And how about all those employees? Are they out of a job?

Go with me now to those ancient days of yesteryear when people traveled by carriage or wagon or horseback or walked. Do you think anybody would have met anybody else on a dirt road and not smiled or nodded or maybe stopped to pass the time of day? People needed people in those days. We didn’t have a whole lot to depend on except each other. Now, as I get in my car and start down the street, I know very few of the people I meet. If someone in another car smiles or waves, hey! It makes my day.

Let’s think for a moment about a murmuration of starlings. Yes, a flock of starlings is a murmuration. The amazing thing about these birds is that they fly as a group. They turn at the same time, they swoop here, swoop there, all turning as one. I’ll bet they get acquainted and know whose swooping next to them and all about each other’s families and where to find the tastiest bugs and whose book is a best-seller because they are probably all good friends. Why wouldn’t they be?

I’m not suggesting we all become a murmuration of people, but I’m thinking those birds are never lonely and probably never leave anybody behind to fend for himself. Depending on a faceless machine to allow them food? Pshaw! Their approach is direct and instant. I’m thinking they are amazing little birds and it’s interesting that God made them that way.

Nature programs are among my favorite TV shows (next to the cozy mysteries, of course.) The only thing I dislike about them is when a predator takes down his prey. I turn off the TV or close my eyes until the ferocious, murderous killer becomes docile once again. And, I’ve thought many times if that herd (called an implausibility) of wildebeeste or deer would just form a circle and stand together with their heads facing toward the attacker, putting their babies on the inside of the ring, those wolves or lions or tigers wouldn’t stand a chance. But, usually terror takes over, they scatter, and run and here come their enemies.

You know what? It’s still raining, it’s still dark, and I haven’t solved a problem. There may not even be a problem! Except me, of course. But, those are my thoughts, however rambling and disconnected they are. My point is, yes, we need to be individuals and think for ourselves and not have a mob mentality but we do need friends. And, as wonderful as technology is, we must not let it take the place of an actual, warm smile or a hug or getting together for a cup of coffee. Speaking of which, my cup is empty. That means a trip to the kitchen for another.

May you have a wonderful, friend-filled Sunday, wherever you are, and may all your mysteries be cozy ones!

Birds fly onto the pages of By the Fright of the Silvery Moon.  But starlings? I don’t believe there is even one murmuration.