Last Words

I am amused to no end with Va Va Voom's parrot-like habit of always wanting to have the last word whenever we talked. Her fondness of having the last words ended in a classic sms battle with someone's girlfriend over this jerk of a boneless guy.

I'm inclined to call her Echo, The Goddess of Last Words, much to her protest today. Alright, Va Va Voom shall not be Echo - I'll spare her because she is my mentee. And I also made her promise to try not to always want to have the last words with me or sum up whatever I said, or I shall have to call her parrot. I know, I know, I can be mean sometimes, but hey, a gal has a right to speak her mind and be honest to a friend, right?

But nevertheless, I thought I'd share with you the interesting story of Echo:

Echo and Narcissus in Greek Mythology

Echo was a beautiful nymph, fond of the woods and hills, where she devoted herself to woodland sports. She was a favorite of Artemis, and attended her in the chase. But Echo had one failing; she was fond of talking, and whether in chat or argument, would have the last word. One day Hera was seeking her husband, who, she had reason to fear, was amusing himself among the nymphs. Echo by her talk contrived to detain the goddess till the nymphs made their escape. When Hera discovered it, she passed sentence upon Echo in these words: "You shall forfeit the use of that tongue with which you have cheated me, except for that one purpose you are so fond of - reply. You shall still have the last word, but no power to speak first."

This nymph saw Narcissus, a beautiful youth, as he pursued the chase upon the mountains. She loved him and followed his footsteps. O how she longed to address him in the softest accents, and win him to converse! But it was not in her power. She waited with impatience for him to speak first, and had her answer ready. One day the youth, being separated from his companions, shouted aloud, "Who's here?" Echo replied, "Here." Narcissus looked around, but seeing no one called out, "Come". Echo answered, "Come." As no one came, Narcissus called again, "Why do you shun me?" Echo, asked the same question. "Let us join one another," said the youth. The maid answered with all her heart in the same words, and hastened to the spot, ready to throw her arms about his neck. He started back, exclaiming, "Hands off! I would rather die than you should have me!" "Have me," said she; but it was all in vain.

He left her, and she went to hide her blushes in the recesses of the woods. From that time forth she lived in caves till at last all her flesh shrank away. Her bones were changed into rocks and there was nothing left of her but her voice. With that she is still ready to reply to any one who calls her, and keeps up her old habit of having the last word.