GOODBYE

Yesterday I watched the memorial service for Michael Jackson. It was a very touching farewell, very composed, very beautiful, with a lot of sorrow, dignity and emotion. He was indeed a great entertainer. His music was enthralling, the words had a lot of thought and depth. He spoke of people, despair of war, hope, the living, importance of caring and loving. It was sad to think that a person who entertained everyone and changed the lives of a whole lot of people, an icon, hero, inspiration to millions, had so much sorrow in his own life. What do some people gain out of creating misery for some others? Is it not possible for everyone to try and live in peace.

The earth is very big, and their is space for everyone to live here without treading on someone else's toes, yet we are seldom happy to see the growth and development of others. Instead of trying to improve our own lives, we are usually caught up in the business of watching what someone else is up to. Our eyes and thoughts are hawking and stalking the activity of someone else, to find fault and find a reason to ridicule them. If only people spent their own time for making their own lives better, the world would become a better place for all.

Talking rudely, making sarcastic remarks, sometimes becomes such a habit that we don't even realise that we are sarcastic by nature. I was told a few months back by a dear friend that I was often sarcastic while talking. So much so that I didn't even realise it until it was pointed out. Since then I have tried to improve my speech, so that I do not hurt anyone. In India we have a saying which means that an arrow which has been shot and a word that has been spoken can never be taken back. It is therefore important for each person to think before speaking. My mother always told me to count up to ten when I was very angry and wanted to say things which could hurt someone. I never followed that advice, but I think now, that it really is a very good way to control one's temper and harsh words. Anger is really another form of insanity,where one does not have full control of one's emotions and so there is an effusion of words and acts which one later regrets, but usually has no recourse to.

From what I read, Michael Jackson had a sad childhood. There are so many other children who are tormented by their parents, without realising the full impact of their utterances on the simple and trusting minds of children. Sometimes we threaten children with dire consequences, which could scare the children enough to leave their minds develop phobias or have nightmares for ever. Our words said casually, could leave scars which would take a long time to heal. Parents generally have the best interest of the children at heart. They want their children to grow up and be better than they themselves are. In the process using harsh words to discipline children often becomes necessary. Perhaps with proper planning one can control every incident and deal with every insubordination or act of defiance in the best way possible. People have to remember to remain in control of themselves at all times. Loosing temper, feeling defeated, feeling helpless, are emotions which need to be conquered.

What I am saying today is because of the sadness I felt for a life that has gone. An ace entertainer had to suffer so much sorrow. Did he really know real happiness? A person who changed his entire persona, hid himself, put on a happy face to entertain us. There is so much that was said yesterday, so much support shown to him, but what about all those years when he went away to the Middle East? His living years? People go away, and no amount of wishes, or eulogies can matter to them, once they die.

I liked the songs of this great singer. I was a fan. I saw Michael Jackson from very close quarters inadvertently one day. I and Chaitali were at Sloane's Square in London a couple of years ago, and we saw this person in front of us wearing a huge huge hat covering his entire face, with his son also with a similar hat. I was delighted, as the walk, dress and figure could be none other than Michael Jackson!

Goodbye Michael, I am sure I would love to do my bit to make this world a better place. Indeed, I am already on the task.