In an earlier blog entry, I discussed how “P” is the funniest letter in the alphabet. Today, I’m going to argue that the letter “L” is the most serious.

“L” is used for Legal and Licenses. People speak about obeying the Letter of the Law. Hopefully, the best-made things Last. When we’re enjoying ourselves, we want to Linger over the good times.

“L’s” very appearance is angular and upright at the same time. It has strong bracing at the bottom. It’s like a waLL standing against the tests of time. The purity of its right-angle is something that even mathematicians can appreciate.

Other letters have a claim to strength of character as well, but not to the same degree, in my opinion. “A” is certainly structurally sound. It has two feet firmly planted on the ground. Its shape is even used for construction projects. An “A-frame” is a typical Swiss chalet. The “snow” slides off the roof. That’s why, at my advanced age, I like it that my name starts with A, if you know what I mean.

“M” is similarly upright. The only problem with “M” is that it’s bland. It’s used to discuss the Mean, the Mode and the Median. It’s Moderation and Middle of the road. Maybe, just Maybe, it’s due to “M’s” position halfway through the alphabet. I’m guessing that most of the MoMs out there won’t agree with Me on this.

“W” is “M” upside down. “W”, in aspect, also most closely resembles the scales of justice. But there’s something odd about “W”. Why is it double “U” and not double “V”? That’s why I have to Wonder about its intent. And maybe that’s why “W” is used for all the major questions – Who, What, Why, When and Where?

“I” is certainly upright. But it may be too rigid and one dimensional. It has a weak foundation. “T” has the same problem, only even more so. It looks like it could Topple fairly easily. The same goes for “Y”. It could be knocked over in a stiff breeze.

“S” is a really interesting letter, but that’s mainly because it is Sibilant and has Sinister overtones. The villain is always the most interesting character in a novel, play or movie. S is for Secrets and being Suspiciously Silent. If you’re a Harry Potter fan, “S” is for Snake and Snape.

The letter “O” is well-fed. It doesn’t look like it has much energy, although once on a roll, it might be hard to stop. “Q” is “O” with a cane, after drinking too much, or maybe due to gout.

That brings us back to “L”. No, I think when you consider all the alternatives, you will have to agree that “L” is the most serious letter. It is the thing of Legend and Lore. No other pretender can capture the same sense of Longing and Loss. My final argument for the gravity of “L” is a simple one. “L” is the letter of Love.

Alex Carrick

Find Canadian construction-related economic articles in Canadian Construction Market News and in the Economic Outlook section of Daily Commercial News.

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