Boneless mass of flesh but useful

This article was published in New Straits Times in the column INSIGHT
Fiday, June 17 1994

The fleshy anatomy that we call the tongue plays a vary significant role in our lives. Its every waggle is crucial to produce the sounds that become our voice. It is the very means of communication; cut it off and you become dumb.

Looking at it metaphorically, it brings joy and pleasure with its every movement.Can you imagine the world void of a mother's lullaby, sung with great love and affection. Poetry that sills out our lips, praising the beauty and grandeur of nature, keeps us sane a midst the madness called development.

The preacher's tongue tongue which evokes the the words of God, helps the fumbling man unto the straight path. The tongue of the wise bestows knowledge on the young for the betterment of mankind.

The soothing kind words and a helpful advice uttered by a loyal friend goes a long way when you are in the depths of despair.

It is the tongue that voices freedom, liberty and justice for all. Nevertheless, the tongue has a dark side.

It could spew out vicious slander and malicious lies from the lips of those who are overshadowed by greed and jealousy. The venomous forked tongues seek pleasure in breaking friendships, marriages and destroying the brotherhood of man.

The tongue of a sleek conman is able to perform incredible twists, turns and somersaults of sorts to get out of a fix. The sly Casanova's tongue whispers sweet nothings into the ears of gullible women.

Politicians wag their tongues shamelessly, making false promises in their effort to snare voters. Samuel Taylors's words could not be truer when he said,"Too many tongues poison the truth".

Thus the boneless mass of flesh has indeed many facets to it. I would like to end this with a delightful tale.

There once lived a king who was expecting a visit from a close friend. He ordered his favourite cook to prepare a lavish banquet.

The king was surprised when he saw all the delicacies prepared were made of tongue. He questioned the cook. The cook replied, "Most honoured king, the tongue is the means by which your friendship was formed. It was the kindly words that you shared with your friend that has brought about your lasting friendship."

Many moths later, the king was was to receive another visitor.This time it was his arch enemy. The king ordered his cook to prepare the worst dishes. When the king found out that the dishes were also made from tongue, he was perplexed.

He immediately summoned his cook and demanded an explanation. For which the cook answered,"Most revered king, the tongue is the filthiest part of our body and it lies, slanders and is responsible  for all the evil in the world. And so I saw it fit to serve your enemy".