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What is wisdom,
If not love and support?
Traveller!
What reward are you seeking?
Half way through the recital a noticeable quiver developed in Conning’s voice. Working without a written text, and simultaneously translating from Manx into English was a near insurmountable struggle which has left her emotionally drained. However, Conning had been determined to deliver the entire poem without interruption, because it’s a metaphor for society, for friends, and for families. For life, the universe, and everything.
She surprised herself that she managed to keep going to the end. It was the fascination on her friends’ faces that kept her going. And although this is the end of the poem, it’s not yet the end of the fable.
“What is wisdom?” asks Conning.
Instantly KristalClear responds, “love and support, according to the fable!”
“Grandad told me the fable on my sixteenth birthday, and he asked me, how old do you need to be, to be wise?”
“Six? Sixteen? Sixty?”
The girls look at each other. Kayt is Manx and even she hasn’t heard this before. Conning is still emotional, trying to hold back some tears, and she’s determined to deliver this life lesson in full.
“How old do you need to be to give love and support?”
“Both love and support?”
“Grandad says that even some six year olds can do both, both love and support”
“And some six year olds can’t.”
“Some sixteen year olds still can’t do either of them!”
“It’s about support. Sensible, reliable, rational support. A three year old can be supportive and helpful. But not across the board. You have to be older than three, have a bit more knowledge, and a lot more maturity.”
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