Watching people talk to her/his self is fun, especially when it is an unguarded moment. Recent observations from the seat of a motorcycle as I was next to a car and its driver revealed more than intended.
The first encounter has stayed with me. We were both driving the same direction on an open road. It was sunny, clear, and dry. There were no delays. Traffic was running smoothly. Everyone had the room and freedom to drive the car as s/he desired. My thoughts were revolving around a simple thought – this is as good as driving in Singapore gets.
As I caught up with a car at a stoplight, I initially did not pay much attention. A new four-door family sedan, I noted that it as clean, polished, and free of dents. The occupant was a professionally dressed thirty-something woman. Her outfit could have easily been from a reputable label. Everything about her reminded me of traditional values.
As we sat waiting, I turned and looked again. I realized she was talking to herself. Even though I could not hear her over the music playing in the car, reading her lips was easy.
“What the f*&^ was that guy thinking? Does he know there are others on the road? He is an idiot! D$@@. Somebody should do something about him; he is a menace. To think that he thinks it was my fault. He is a s*&) head.” Then she shut her eyes and rested her head on the steering wheel.
My mind went into overdrive imagination. Was she meditating? Was she praying? What could she be thinking? As I thought of her words just moments before, I remembered old words that fit the situation perfectly. As she scrubbed her thoughts, she turned to the higher power and echoed David; “Let those who are being hilarious at my expense be made to look ridiculous. Make them wear donkey’s ears; pin them with the donkey’s tail, who made themselves so high and mighty!” (Psalm 35.26)
It seemed ridiculous except that I saw myself in the mirror.
