On the sidewalk lie two mirror
images. Alike in their size and age and
detail, but wrinkled due to the test of the elements and scuffling of
feet. These figures in the pavement
chuckle at the soles of feet that walk over them. “Big toes?
Ha. Try opposable thumbs.” The hands that so naturally etched these
prints in the cement have quite the egos, but what one does not realize one
always seems to live in the shadow of the other. The Dominant Hand does exactly as its name
implies: dominates. The other one, the
Second Hand, receives a weak characterization in comparison. Dominant gets all of the attention and all of
the glamour. Authors write with
Dominant, quarterbacks throw with Dominant, golfers swing with Dominant, and
businessmen shake with Dominant. Second may
get lucky and flip the bird on occasion, dig for some gold, or pick up the dog’s
doo-doo with its trusty plastic baggie. See
the roots of jealousy? As Dominant waves
at the crowd during parades, Second wipes the behinds of the carnies at the
fair. How can two things so similar
receive such extremely different treatments?
Look down readers and notice the sibling rivalry between the two
appendages at the end of your arms.
Pardon the Disney reference but Second might as well receive comparison
to Cinderella (pre-glass-slippers of course) and Dominant to her evil
stepsisters. In a world wrapped up in
equal opportunity and fairness, each and every person (with the exception of
the few oddballs with ambidexterity) has one of the greatest examples of
discrimination in the palms of their hands.
Second understands the immorality of suicide so more appropriately
wishes for amputation. “Maybe one day I
can shine like Dominant,” but the reality of Second and Dominant’s entire
lifetime together dampens the prospect of divorce. In actuality, Second can hope for only two
things: either a severe fracture to one of Dominant’s five metacarpals or the crippling
effects of arthritis as a result of overuse.
Until then, put your hands together folks because two hands are always
better than one.
I thorougly enjoyed reading your entry this week. I think that, although sarcastically stated, your idea of hands appearing similar but one always experiencing neglect shows through in reality. Many times a person who exhibits just as well-qualified credentials as another person might ride the back seat to the other person's success. Unfair? Yes. Reality? Yes.
ReplyDeleteI discern much truth in your short story, Kyle. I find that a lot of people oscillate between extreme personalities. When one "hand" does not suit us currently, we swap it out to achieve a more desirable result. This constant shuffling only serves as a tiresome juggling act. Only when we utilize both "hands," do we expose our true selves—a sign of self-acceptance.
ReplyDeleteI just recently had a conversation with my dad about a similar topic, actually. I expressed my discouragement after I felt like another student (in a class I won't reveal) had taken credit for my hard work. I anticipated some words of encouragement, so I was surprised when he simply said "shame on you." This moment made me realize that the only thing worse than those who are successful at self-promotion, are those who let it happen.
ReplyDelete