Go Away Swampy

There is a scratchy little voice that makes a noise in the dirty puddle. Maybe, it comes from some peculiar creature called Swampy who has made the puddle his home. Swampy is a dirty little monster with a mouth that turns down when he smiles. You can’t look into his eyes, because they’re covered by his eyebrows; when he laughs, his laugh sounds like a set of squeaky door hinges. Swamy has long arms floating, bending and grasping like snaky spider webs. You do not notice them until they’ve reached out and wrapped themselves around you and started pulling you towards his swamp. He wears heavy boots up to his waist so you never know how deep he is. When he clings to you, you feel as if you’re dragging bags of cement. Swampy will make sure you hold on to all your negative thoughts and behaviours. For example, when you criticize and blame others, Swampy will shout with delight. “Lt them have it!” he’ll say. “Get mad!” Show them you can’t be pushed around!” Swampy will fool you into believing he is your friend. It’s strange, though, how he can seem so right and yet make you feel so awful. If you listen to Swampy you will never work hard. He’ll remind you, “Where is all that work going to get you? Ulcers? High blood pressure? Besides, look at the others who will benefit. Indian Railways, for example, what has it really done for you?” Swampy has some advice about helping other people. “Listen,” he’ll say. “People are using you. Watch out for yourself. No one else is going to do it for you. About the future, Swampy predicts nothing but utter hopelessness. “Don’t you read your newspapers and watch TV? There’s nothing but sickness, violence, tragedy and danger out there. Don’t expect too much out of life and you’ll never be disappointed. You’re much better off right here in the swamp with me.” Swamy has three more friends in the puddle with him. When they sing, it sounds like little stones in a dustbin. We do not know why we listen to this awful music- but we do. The names of his three friends are Fear, Doubt and Hate. Let’s consider getting Swampy out of our lives.

Reflection: Swampy will take just about as much of you as you give him. What will you do for shutting him out of your life?