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wa!



  This webpage now includes sound! Click on the hyperlinks to hear!
The English language is pretty good for communication. But sometimes it's hard to express myself with words. Isn't there a cheesy 80s song that says that? The words just get in the way.
  I guess I could try singing, but I'm not much of a singer, frankly speaking.
  I used to be quite fond of the word "meow". There is the inquisitive "meow?". A "meow!" can also be declarative. You may have to listen carefully to hear the difference between the two! Actually, I have come to think that the meow does not have enough range. I think even cats would agree with me here. My cat also says "grr" and "ssss".
  For the last couple of years, I've been developing the word "wa". I don't claim to be the inventor of the word, but I can say that I've really synthesized the different possibilities. I've found it to be a quite versatile and eloquent little word!
  Let's start with the martial arts "wa". If you have seen a Bruce Lee movie, you know how important this baby is. Let's say you are in a dark alley, and ten thugs come up behind you, armed with crowbars. Right before you kick their butt, that's the time to try the martial arts "wa". It's sort of a high pitched wa. "Waaaaaaaaa". By the way, if you are trying this at home, it helps to move your hands as if you are preparing for a karate chop.
  The wa can also be used for the inquisitive: "wa?". This could mean, "how are you?" or "are you there"? A good reply to the "wa?" is always the "wa!". This would be an affirmative answer. The "wawa" is another humorous answer to the question posed by the "wa?".
  The wa can denote that you are engaging in a strenous activity, such as getting out of bed, or getting out of a chair. "WWaa!" Used in this form, the wa can provide you with an extra energy boost.
  We should also consider the dismal wa. "waaaaa". This is useful when you have a cold, or have been mortally wounded.
  Let me recommend to you a course of action. The next time that you find yourself on a crowded bus, or in a deserted park, practice your "wa". Study the variety of moods and emotions that you can portray. In this way, you may find your own wa!