Jokes from the past
After listening to my weekly Thurber story I came to a realization. My life has been devoid of practical jokes either by me or others . Sure there was that time that somebody pinned me into my room but that was just a college prank. I’m talking more about the kind of events the Thurber uses as a source of so much humour. I have never seen anyone get a random roller skate, or a cold boiled egg in their pocket. Perhaps these were the stunts of a past era. Even my own children have failed producing tales that I can use as historical fodder. I guess we grew up in humourless households. Actually even in the real world the practical joke seemed to have gone the way of the dodo bird. Not something that people aspire to or practice as regular activity. We have other things to amuse ourselves. Like cat videos if you will. Am I too old for practical jokes? Yes I think that is the answer. The sort of sense of humour that takes pleasure in creating uncomfortable situations for others is something of another age. Of course we still have the classic stories like Thurber on a Friday. I wonder if my life would have been different if I had hung around with people who took pleasure in the discomfort of others. My friends were not like that. At least, I do not think so. Maybe I just wasn’t paying attention. Right now I am anxiously awaiting the end of winter. Sometime this weekend the annual lobster fishery begins locally which will distract everyone for about two months. No time for practical jokes when you have traps to haul. Even in the mail I receive nothing of note. Unless you count those offers of another credit card. Instead I have the daily scourge of phone calls from people who really want to know more about me. Offering nothing in return. Is that the practical joke of the new century? I will have to give this some thought.
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