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The last word

The last is also the latest and the current

Last but not the least. It is a phrase invariably uttered by organisers who propose the `vote of thanks'. It is a ceremonial statement without realistic connotation. On the other hand, last cannot be the least. In fact, it is the `most.' The last number is always greater than the previous ones. Last is the maximum and is ranked as minimum. The last place seldom requires any reservation, as there is absolutely no competition. One is sure of staying there and no one would push us behind.

Last is the latest

National anthem is not insignificant for it is played at the end. Death is not unimportant due to its arrival at the fag end of life. The last is also the latest and the current. The last scene facilitates the success of a film; the last act determines the depth of a play and the last stanza, the profundity of a poem. Titles are formal in a movie and even in them the name of the director, crucial for the creation, figures last. Climax becomes important in literature and life. Conclusion decides the density of any fiction. The acceptance or repudiation of a theme rests on the closure.

While evaluating a performance, the ultimate behaviour of the incumbent dominates and the superioris influenced by `recency effect.' The last event remains green in memory and colours our opinion.

To remain last is the most difficult task. No one can succeed by effort. It has to be an effortless endeavour. When we strive, we may fail, fumble and tumble down. We can predict the first but not the last. Today becomes important, as it is the latest in our life.

Mysterious dimension

The term `last' has a mysterious dimension. Life is not linear but circular. Hence, the last becomes the first. At times, the order becomes meaningless. The first is always to support the last - whether it is the rungs of ladder or garments worn in order. Here, the last becomes precious and apparent. Old age is beautiful in its own way. Butterfly is enthralling than the young larva. On aging, fruit becomes captivating, juicy, edible and delicious whereas at the prime of its youth, it is raw and pungent.

Dessert is the final dish in a sumptuous feast. We want a pleasant taste to linger on. Qualification is what we acquire in the end and not with what we begin our academics. The last post a person officiates is the highest in his job ladder. Cadre at retirement is the pinnacle of power an employee could enjoy in his career. Seed is the first and fruit is the last. The last begets the first and vice versa. Seed is sown only to reap the fruit. There is always a question as to whether egg came first or the hen. As per evolution, transformation took place on a step-by-step basis and the species evolved first to procreate its progeny. Hence, hen metamorphosed from its previous form.

Finishing is important both in race and art. Elevation in architecture, finesse in art, intricacies in painting, sharpness in sculpture, chiselling in poetry, economy in literature, lace work in apparels, ornamentation in furniture and binding in printing render final touch to the product and enhance the loveliness of creation.

The inclination of a few to become premiers and reign supreme forever resulted in bloodcurdling battles and gruesome wars. In Tamil, an adage describes the aspirations of such schizophrenics. They want to be grooms in halls of marriage and the deceased in houses of mourning. Those who prefer to lag behind cause no harm to anyone around. They can vibe with the centre of universe at ease. Life has secrets in stock. One who never rushes madly is found rewarded amply.

Quality of the bassinet is not in our hands but the magnificence of tomb is the result of our own deeds. In life, cradle is pronounced by destiny and coffin, by our dedication. We are born crying and if we could die laughing it would be an achievement par excellence. In the long run, there is no difference between the last and the first and some times, they are the same.

V. IRAI ANBU

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