The
Welsh noun glaswen literally means a “blue smile”, one that is sarcastic or
mocking. By adulthood we have met that blue smile. Something we’ve said or done
is met not with care or understanding or affirmation, but with a look that
wishes us dead, that wants us brought down to size, to be made a fool of. Pride
registers, envy betrays its owner. We contrast this with the warmth of a red
smile, the smile we recognise in friendship, at the very least friendliness.
The blue smile cools affection, freezes feeling. If it was August we’d wish it
November.
No comments:
Post a Comment