Things are getting so messy in this world that our ability for trying to give any sense to what is happening all over the place seems to be dwindling. What is happening could not be downplayed as many rather disgustingly are trying to do. How in the world could anyone try to paint the Indians and Pakistanis bombing each other as just a few blips and that will vanish as fast as they came! We are talking about two nuclear powers and nothing could be trivial about nuclear powers going for each other’s throats with lives lost on both sides. No one could ever tell what will actually happen if things escalate any further. The tragedy if the Middle East is getting worse and all signs are they would get even more terrifying.
Him:- You know what I have developed this, what was it you call it, sixth sense and know you are planning to come to me before you take the first step.
Me:- But, that’s what you do! In fact we believe that you’d know our plans before we even start planning them!
Him: – Oh! Isn’t it nice when you hear someone talk about you that way! Thanks for giving me that much credit.
Me:- Why do I feel that today your voice has changed and you’re mocking me?
Him:- You tell me.
Me:- I feel like I am unwanted in Your presence.
Him:- Ok; Ok! Do you think I am acting like you have thick skin?
Me:- Yes, we do! Yes we do have thick skin. That’s why we have survived for so long despite all that’s happening to us.
Him:- Sorry, but I’m not going to applaud you for that.
Me:- Why not?
Him:- Because whatever happened and is happening to you, you brought it upon yourself. Do you know what I think?
Me:- No, I don’t. What do You think?
Him:- What I think is…I have to watch what comes out of my mouth since some of you guys down there are offended by the most insignificant of terms and comments which don’t have any effect said or unsaid. What I think is that while you blame others for all the wrong and destructive things they are accused of committing you should also take the responsibility for the things done or undone on your part. Am I making any sense?
Me:- You’re making a lot of sense. But of course we couldn’t go anyplace far by blaming ourselves.
Him:- I am not talking about blaming yourself. I don’t think blaming yourself is not a wise thing to do unless you think what is already done couldn’t be rectified or fully undone. Don’t you think there is a lot of difference between blaming yourselves and taking responsibility for the wrongs on your part?
Me:- I’m afraid I’m losing you.
Him:- Ok, let’s forget that because with you people down there we could argue of the sun comes up on the east or on the south. You could be that difficult. Anyway you didn’t come all the way here to spar with me over…
Me:- No! No! No! Sorry for interrupting You! Believe me that is the last thing I want to do.
Him:- Ok; to what should I attach the privilege of you visit today. Hey! What are all those bulging blood vessels across your face! I’m not mocking you! Do you think I am?
Me:- No I don’t. I came to raise the same issues I have been raising for long plus a few new developments.
Him:- And what are the new developments?
Me:- You must know that the Indians and the Pakistanis are shooting at each other and bombing their territories. Why are they doing that in these very troubled times?
Him:- You are asking Me? I can’t believe what you just said!
Me:- Please, I meant no offense. It’s just we seem to have lost the ability what we say clearly. There is nothing more that makes my blood freeze all over then offending You!
Him:- I should have taken that as flattery. But I wouldn’t do so. Shall we get into what you actually art raying to tell, or ask me!
Me:- Yes.
Him:- You know what really stuns me about the way you people down there think… how should I know why the Indians and Pakistanis are bombing each other? Or do you people think I am sending all those bombers and manning the missile launchers?
Me:- No, how could I think as such? That would be the most sinful thing I’d ever do!
Him:- Aha! Finally you seem to have come on My side!
Me:- I’m always on your side. Never did I go astray in any way!
Him:- You know why I said that? It’s because after a long time you used the term sinful! You people must have come to the basics. So about thus Indians and Pakistanis bombing each other, what do you think I could do?
Me:- Well, who are we to tell You what to do? You and only You know what’s best to do. We are just pleading with you to interfere before things get any worse.
Him:- Why are you so concerned about that part of the world?
Me:- No one could tell if and when the fingers go for the nuke buttons.
Him:- Look I don’t want you people to feel offended and think that I’m not taking you seriously. May I ask you a question?
Me:- Of course! Of course!
Him:- If what I’m seeing down there is what is really happening don’t you people have much more worrying issues before you move all the way across the world. Don’t you have very important issues back home you should look into you before being concerned about other places!
Me:- Of course, I fully agree with what You said. But even our minds are running in such weird circles I’m afraid we might not be in full control of them.
Him:- Thank you for admitting that much. That even in some little ways is change. At least it is a good beginning. By the way about the India-Pakistan thing you asked me about… I think there are those down there with you those who could give you far better answers than I could. You’d then tell me what they told you because I, too, want to know. Don’t you think it is time for us to part?
Me:- Just one more question: do You think we’re spending too much time on things which don’t concern us while ignoring those which do?
Him:- If I answered that question I would lose much more half of My followers down there. So, goodbye and take care!
Me:- Thank You.
BY EPHREM ENDALE
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SUNDAY EDITION 11 MAY 2025
