Cry-My Beloved Country

Our list of national priorities in recent weeks has a surprise new entrant and talk of it is raging like fire. It is part of domestic talk, it is part of business talk and it is part of sleepless nights. Its name is on every one’s lips and its price the talk of town. It is a breadwinner for many and an indispensable bread maker for all. Though a necessity, most cannot afford it now, and there is no known replacement to it. It can make or mar one’s day and its absence is felt all the time. Talk of it angers one and lack of it can ruin the day. A common presence both in the rich man’s mansion and the poor man’s hut, life without it is painful and felt dearly . It is normally taken for granted and its deficit has the potential to wreak marital bliss. On a small positive note though, its market value at today’s rate makes it a small birthday gift. A must in most preparations, its absence can turn peals of laughter into tears of submission. It is seen competing with corruption for news time in the media, and even making itself felt in the corridors of power. Politicians all the same are nervous about it as it can topple governments, what to talk of individuals. Like corruption it is part of our culture but unlike the former it is hot always,and for the right reasons. Like corruption it takes birth underground but its effects are felt far above ground. Like corruption, it has many layers and one never knows how many till the last layer is reached. The multiple layers actually reminds one of Churchill’s ‘riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma.’But unlike corruption which leaves a bad taste in the mouth, our dear friend makes all preparations pleasant. People in the know have different theories to explain its present condition. Some say the climate caused it, some say human greed caused it, some say wrong policy caused it. Some say all three played their valuable roles.Some have no idea how it happened. But one thing is sure, some one somewhere has minted money out of it. The rich are indifferent to it because they don’t lack it, the middle class sorely miss it because they can’t afford it, and the poor anyway have no choice but to suffer in silence. Given its price fluctuation of late and mostly bullish trend, it merits its own stock exchange and sensitive index. It has become an issue of national importance and no less than the prime minister is seized of the matter. To surmise, it is tears with it and without it and life a sad story for now. If I have still not given it away, then yes, I am talking of the humble and ubiquitous Onion,that wonder vegetable for all seasons and a must on all palates.