Ribbons and Bows
        by Brenda Tucker

Back to the attic for another year! How many times have I gone up and down these steps? Dragged out of my warm and cozy rest just to be tossed hither and thither, with no regard for my stature at all! If I'm not desirable or needed, why not let me rest in peace! Just let me go...I'd rather be officially "discarded" than ignored and rebuked!

Sit with me a spell and let me tell you my story. I truly would like your opinion of my situation. I'm told perception has a lot to do with my plight but I also know that perception is reality. Thus puppy love is love to a puppy and ignorance is only bliss to the ignorant. But hearing the insight of an objective mind tends to change ones singular perception and blah, blah, blah!

Sorry, how I do go on! My story began some time ago. I have a hard time remembering exact dates, but I know it was right before the "big event!" My first recollection of existence was in a bed of straw. I had been placed in the public eye and I felt wanted and respected. It was no time at all until I was gently picked up and wrapped in colors, loved by all who came near. I remember the oooohs! and ahhhhs! as those whose curiosity or possibly insight brought them from near and far to check me out. I recall remarks like "how perfect", "this is what we needed" or "they said to follow the signs." 

For years I was held in high regard and people seemed to pay attention when they came near me.  Then for some reason, my circumstances changed.  I was like an old hat that though it kept the head warm, its value was totally disregarded.  Once a year, I was torn from the warmth of my own space and tossed about like an estranged kitten until it was time to go back on the shelf once more.  I was no longer placed on display but kept securely sealed and hidden away among others who were once revered.  I knew I was different from the others and that I had not lost any of my luster, but still I was a cast off.  Unlike the others, I was at least removed from my nesting place and accessed for my relevance even though I landed back in the box to be tossed about until the season was over. 

Year after year, this seemed to be my plight.  I had adapted to my fate and expected no more or no less than what I've explained.  By the time each festive season came around, I was anxious for the change and was able to enjoy being tossed about...at least I was being noticed, if only for a moment.  The reality was, to my regret, that last year I wasn't even taken out of the box.  This year I fully expected to be tossed out with the torn wrappings and the discarded ribbons and bows.

To my amazement, this season I was aroused earlier than years past.  And the manner in which I was handled was almost one of reverence or pride.  I felt the warm water as I was cleaned until I glistened.  As in the early days, I was displayed high above so all could see me.  Once again, I heard the ooohs! and ahhhs!  Now I heard remarks like "wake up call" and "united we stand."  I also heard cries of mourning...of sadness...of need.  Somehow I felt needed...like a light in the darkness.  Just yesterday I heard them saying the old familiar "Happy New Year" but with a different tone than years past.  It seems to me it was more of ushering out the old year (2001) rather than applauding the New Year. 

Well, that's my story and now I would like your opinion.  You see, I don't know what I am.  I've never seen myself in a mirror...I only have others reactions to me to go by.  I have some thoughts as to what I am and/or what I represent, but that's the extent of it.

Ummmm!  But you know, deep in my heart I know I'll never again be ignored nor put on a shelf.  I also know without a doubt that I'll never be discarded with the ribbons and bows.

On second thought...I don't want to know what I'm called.  I think I'm different things and go by different names to different people.  That's as it should be! 

Thank you for spending time with me and listening to my story.  I know all I need to know now and perception is reality.