The Unsung Hero: A Tribute

'Sonder' is a German term referring to the personal realisation that each passerby leads an existence as vivid and as complex as our own. I kind of like the way that, linguistic disparity aside, sonder kind of rhymes with wonder because the capacity to know a person; to acknowledge that each of their actions is the culmination of the relationships, experiences and culture which have formed their personal intentions, requires a capacity to dream and to imagine the unseen and the unspoken.

Sondering

Heroes come in many forms and are named such for probably just as many reasons. A certain subset are characterised by desirable qualities easily recognised from the exterior. Such include beauty, youth, wit and intelligence, pleasant manners, as well as some exotic talent and an alleged veneer of humility. Due to the attraction these traits generally prompt, such individuals, with their unsullied goodness somehow still in tow, do tend to enjoy increased access to the favourable societal regard secretly desired by most.

It's beyond me how these paranormal creatures have the cheek to call themselves humans, but no matter. It's a good thing emerald has always suited me.

Whether by means of envy and contempt for the former, or via utter endearment toward those capable of pure charm without the worldly entitlements making it simple so to do, the unapplauded and concealed heroes will always be my personal favourites. It is of them and them alone that my heart will always be most in awe.

The truth is, good people are everywhere and more common than we realise. The problem is that human beings are pretty quick to type-cast those whom we like and admire against those whom we frankly find abhorrent, based upon criterion which should have been re-examined years ago. Beautiful, clever, kind people are easy to love. And for their blunders we're usually helplessly endeared. But apply that to the fried homeless gentleman (who isn't always gentle and kind of smells a little too), and we'll have a different internal response altogether...well at least I will.

As a population we tend to make value judgements based upon net output rather than personal input. And for various reasons doing so can make sense. Allow me to state the obvious, however, by noting that the true value of an action can only be accurately determined when such is counterposed with it's true intention, and the resistance which must be overcome to achieve it.

A handsome individual well-regarded within society finds it easy to show courtesy towards others. While he may have been brought up well and doing so springs out of sheer habit, it is also worth highlighting (as a gentleman he’d be the first to admit it) that he does derive a bit of pleasure from the knowledge that his general manner reinforces his good name and popular regard. 

Switch now to the homeless local resident. Gruff mannered, poorly groomed and seemingly uninterested in affairs stretching beyond his next feed, the most lavish of hearts would find the company pestiferous. 

Like Frog like Toad

…but maybe catch him when he isn’t hangry and has had a good night’s sleep, and you’ll discover a near-angel. An elderly little boy who deeply respects his mother (though she disowned him decades ago), who would give up his sheltering place for a young family more in need, and who can muster the sweetest smile (though he probably does need upper and lower dentures, and a box of eclipse <3). 

Indeed, praise is owing to the young man above for staying grounded (this is difficult without much gravity in life), but let it be known that the latter truly deserves more than platinum for his troubles...especially because most of the time no-one sees them.

The author recognises that she is and always will be a deeply shallow human being - and she won't let a soul tell her otherwise. Sometimes it's very hard to see the good in others, but at least if we try our best and fail, we can laugh and be grateful for the kind beautiful hearts who have learned to love us anyway...the unsung heroes of our own lives <3