Pithy, witty, and wise

While some may not think so, anyone can write a column of eight hundred words, especially when describing what should only require five hundred words. What's really tricky is reducing a complex concept or sophisticated observation or a timely lesson in life to but one concise, succinct, incisive, penetrating and appropriate line or phrase.

Below are several such offerings presented by readers who, as my Aunt Zoey points out, would rather write this column than have to read it:

- The guy who always claims to be right behind you is, indeed, very rarely up front.

- “Watch the gap” should also apply to understanding.

- A gift publicly given is often a token of affection.

- Some folks are “harpists,” they hard on every little thing.

- Just because you’ve shoved something down someone’s throat, doesn’t mean they’ve swallowed it.

- Better to suggest “you should,” than to pronounce “you should have.”

- Ever notice t hat pitchers can rarely hit; so, too, the guy with the thousand questions never seems to provide a single answer.

- Folks with hands too big will often criticize their gloves as too small.

- No one would keep a GPS that directed them to stand still, hold on, remain in place or wait and see, yet often that’s the advice we give ourselves.

- It’s not an accident that he who attaches too much “I’m” to what he deems pertinent, eventually becomes impertinent.

- Never say you’re no place. You’re always someplace, just not always in the right place, but at least from there you can always find your place.

- Those who promise you they can pull strings, are usually just stringing you along.

- Misery doesn’t love company; the miserable do.

- Ingrates bite the hand that feeds them, but only fools feed the hand that bites them.

- Some have been born too soon, some have been born too late, but the saddest are those who have borne too much.

- For all too many, “going green” means with envy.

- Leaders who wait to lead are nothing more then lead weight.

And Zoey’s favorite: Many words can fill a page, but one fine line can complete a thought.

Copyright © 2009 Ron Goldman
Ron Goldman is an attorney in private practice with offices in Cedarhurst and can be reached @ 1-800-846-9013