Cling
– to hold tightly, be emotionally over-dependent, refuse to let go
The following
piece is based on something I wrote 11 years ago.
I
don’t use cling film, that
thin clear self-adhering plastic material – I gather it’s one of those things that is
frowned upon these days. I
have tried to use it in the past, but generally without success, for when I did,
I could never rid myself of the thought that cling film had got it in for me,
recognising an enemy it could easily defeat.
Perhaps it
recognised in me a person who secretly longed to be enfolded in strong arms and
held close till, breathless with passion, I begged for release? Well, I think
not.
Maybe it was the
kitchen equivalent of the playground bully, teasing and taunting me as I
wrestled with it. Possibly it was a
lonely thing, the wretched wrapping clinging to itself and to me as if scared
to let go.
Whatever the motivation
of this inanimate matter, I muttered and cursed as the film tightened and
thickened, eventually managing to reduce it to a sulky pellet which I wanted to
hurl into the rubbish bin but could not as it still seemed loath to leave me.
Thus, the contents
of my fridge were left unwrapped, tainted with onion and curry, the chicken
carcasses dried out to firewood consistency, the lemon halves shrunk to husks,
the cabbages wilted, and everything that was once fresh and crisp drooping into
unappetising decrepitude.
Did I hear
malicious laughter from the drawer the cling film lived in, or did it plead to
be allowed just one more chance? Too late, cling film was no longer welcome in
my home.
Cling film certainly has a mind of its own.
ReplyDeleteIt used to drive me mad - now, it can't :)
ReplyDeleteAnd now its welcome has disappeared completely, any thinking person hates it, whether it rolls itself into a sausage with neither beginning nor end, or cause the user to cut his hand on the serrated edge.
ReplyDeleteLet’s do without.
Agreed, and I do (without)
DeleteI don't have any trouble with cling film, although I don't use much, one roll generally lasts me two or three years. I put leftovers in bowls with lids most of the time.
ReplyDeleteI must admit the cling film in my drawer was destined to die of old age and neglect.
DeleteI am like you it sticks on me and we fight together, I don't use it anymore I found something better to cover food in the fridge !
ReplyDeleteLikewise!
ReplyDelete