I know this is a little late, but hey, it’s still on the first Wordplay Wednesday of the month! So, let’s dig in ...
Who remembers the mid-1990s animated TV show about two lab-enhanced mice, Pinky and the Brain? Addle-brained Pinky would ask, “Gee, Brain. What are we going to do tonight?” To which Brain responds, “The same thing we do every night, Pinky. Try to take over the world!” Of course, every night they fail.
But it’s a great parody of our continual quest in the name of greed, for whatever it is we hold in our minds as most precious. Like a world of ...
PELF ('pelf; 14c) n.
– : money, riches. [WW-M #319]
Short and succinct in definition, one might surmise pelf would work well in writings of elite power, in fiction tales or unfortunately, like in nonfiction news we face every day.
Much speculation has dominated the media for months discussing Russia’s invasion and continued abominations of Ukraine. In a reality that has unfolded like a brutal historical novel, the absolute power of one man with dominating control of a major world power, has shocked the modern world. It is a striking example of leadership at its worst, like the root causes of the past two World Wars. It seems we have learned nothing, with pelf still a driving motivation for many leaders of today.
Our country is now, facing similar perils (and then some) as our parents, grandparents and great-grandparents did more than eighty years ago. On December 29, 1940, President Roosevelt spoke of international strife and threat to our national security, referring to the trigger powers, “It is not a Government based upon the consent of the governed. It is not a union of ordinary, self-respecting men and women to protect themselves and their freedom and their dignity from oppression. It is an unholy alliance of power and pelf to dominate and enslave the human race.” So familiar today, yet sadly, we do not have leadership we can relate to or rally ‘round.
Pelf is an odd, old-fashioned word that is a common companion to power. Add greed and sex, and you stir the political pot of most problematic leaders in today’s world. Now that is reminiscent of another doomed ancient government—we all know what happened to the Western Roman Empire (which is thought to have fostered barbarian kingdoms)—although, the story of Nero fiddling while Rome burned is unsubstantiated ...
On a commiserate musical note, hailing back to JULY 1972, 50 Years Ago this Month, “Conquistador” by Procol Harum fits the occasion at the bottom of the top “30 Heavy Hits” survey for WING/Dayton, Ohio. It sought to
conquer as many rungs on the musical ladder as possible, lamenting a life lost while seeking power and pelf ... And though you came with sword held high | You did not conquer, only die ... ♪ ... 50 Years Ago this Month
Word Challenge: PELF. Money, when combined with power and greed can be the root of all evil, as the saying goes. Ponder the economic strategies of your characters, as you fit pelf into a prosperous month of monetary writings and casual conversations.
Write first for yourself … only then can you write for others. (L.Rochelle)
@PenchantForPen
@Irishwriter
Wordplay Wednesday is currently created for your literary pleasure every first Wednesday of each month. Thank you for stopping by! Learning knows no prejudices or boundaries, and it isn’t harmful to your health! Expanding your mind is a no-cost, simple joy. Do you feel that way too? What’s your inspiration? Share your creative genius and Wordplay Wednesday comments.
[LinDee Rochelle is a writer and editor by trade, and an author by way of Rock & Roll. She has published two books in her Blast from Your Past series (of three) about pioneering R&R Radio DJs. True behind-the-mic tales make GREAT Holiday and anytime Gifts available on Amazon (eBook and print): Book 1 – Rock & Roll Radio DJs: The First Five Years 1954-1959; and Book 2 – Rock & Roll Radio DJs: The Swinging Sixties. Coming soon … The Psychedelic Seventies!]
LR Notes: 1) Dictionary definitions are quoted from Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate
Dictionary – Eleventh Edition, unless otherwise noted. Yes, we sometimes
present them out of “official” context—but that’s half the fun! Think of it as
“creative context.” 2) a] Recent dictionary additions to definitions include a
date of first use, if known; b] words in small caps indicate “see also.” 3)
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