An Ode To The Art of Cursive Penmanship.

When I was growing up, in the second grade, we spent months upon months on end formulating the perfect cursive alphabet. Or at least, as perfect as you could get seven and eight-year olds to possibly imitate. It was not a perfect success.

We worked hard at the task, mimicking our Q's and our Z's with the precision of a drunk caterpillar. Yet, we persisted, and eventually, our attempts at some form of language went from a zig-zaggy disaster to something that could be recognized. We worked hard, and eventually, we learned this ancient art form of literacy.

Now, I am under the understanding that many schools are foregoing the fine art of cursive outright.

Why should today's generation get an out at such an amazing form of writing? 

Yes, I know. Everything is digital now. Children are learning coding in second grade. Toddlers are learning to use the I-phone. Some first graders can text better than some senior citizens. But should that excuse the art of cursive?

Cursive writing has many uses. Signatures, for one. How should one without the ability to write in cursive possibly sign their name? Should the "Doctor's Scribble" suffice?

To me, Cursive writing is cultured - dignified. It shows a little bit of, what is it - care. Unless of course, you take no time at it at all. But to those who really understand the art of cursive, it is a beautiful, intrinsic, and pleasing type of art completely unique to the handwriting of the individual. I have seen some cursive writing that is simply, for lack of a better word, stunning. It's simply impressive.

I used to have a girl I dated - who had the most gorgeous cursive writing I have ever seen, to this day. She would always send her personal hand-written letters - eight to ten pages long - with a splash of perfume. It was always a joy to receive her letters, because they were distinctly "her". Her beautiful writing was her written identity.

Today's hand-writing lacks that personal character. It's a cold, stale form of communication without elegance or personality. And though it is very true that in our digital world - our children need to learn the capabilities of the digital environment - I don't think this should be done at the expense of learning one of the most beautiful and creative form of writing.

The art of Cursive shows a hidden identity in the beholder. I believe it should endure throughout the generations, and should never be lost through the echoes of the digital screens and the age of electronic communication. Let's keep the history of cursive in the future of all our generations.