Farewell Cute

How many times do we say "cute" in a week. Cute applies to almost everything including shoes, babies, any part of the human body, old ladies, cars: you name it. It's fun describing anything as cute. Generally, it seems to mean something that catches our eyes in the most pleasing way. "Cute" is a kind of visual giggle. I had a friend who told me that she used the word "cute" as an insult. On further probing, I learned that she meant "cute" was her way of saying that something or someone was temporary and transitory in a kind of  humorous "here today and gone tomorrow" sort of way. And actually, that's not an entirely unfortunate way of looking at the descriptor, "cute".  Lots of situations come to mind.  I know a "cute" couple. They look kind of kinky. They're amusing and entertaining. But with time, their cuteness is wearing very thin. They are becoming a bit of a bore with their jabs and jibes and jiggling senses of humour that have finally lost their spontaneity. I know cute appearances that have faded sadly and the perky noses or smiles that have since tended to droop into more serious visages. The cute apartment décor, once in the latest mode, has become tired and outdated. The little house on the corner with its cute curb appeal needs a re-do. I have a closet full of cute items that are no longer cute. Even though I purchased them originally for their colour or shape or texture, they have lost their charm with time. I am tired of them just like the cute couple that is becoming more annoying than fun to be around or the face that has somehow fallen. It proves that cuteness wears off. Our cute babies are perhaps one of the most lasting "cutes". Because they change as they grow, a baby's cuteness is always appealing and delightful. Unfortunately, our babies, too, grow out of their cuteness and eventually are not cute any longer. They grow up on us. It all proves the element of cute rests on being charmingly fleeting. It brings to mind other things that are temporary and how that characteristic makes them all the more precious in our memories. Ice carvings, sand sculptures,wedding dresses, tea roses, bird song, sunsets, reunions, aged folk, holidays, girl and boyfriends, music:  all, all farewells to "cute" in the making.