The Marvelous Toy

I am queen of metaphors and similes. I owe it all to Freshman English Composition. My liberal use of comparisons and/or analogies help me to tell my stories and understand myself much better. Today, I am the little wind up toy that is wound tight and released. I think they are still available.  The song,“The Marvelous Toy” by Peter, Paul and Mary tells us about them.

 It went “Zip” when it moved

And “Bop” when it stopped

And “Whirrr” when it stood still

I never knew just what it was and I guess I never will

I remember …

I picked it up and wound it and set it down. I can see it now making its way across the table or floor “zipping”as it went. It would change direction if it hit an object in its path, or get stuck and “whirr” in place until it wound down and was silent. Or like Humpty Dumpty it could take a great fall right off the table….

The who or what that winds me up has changed throughout my life, and certainly as I have aged. I was full of energy, positive or nervous energy, and often wound myself up. I was running away or running towards or stalled out with no energy to move at all. It was a game of “Red Rover” and Danita was sent right over. If I couldn’t break through into the  “popular” or “successful”  world, then I would just “bop”. The worst scenario was when I ignored “ Danger” signs and “zipped” when I should have “bopped”.  Sometimes, no matter how many hints I got to change direction I just kept right  on going. It is wonderful, but rare when the path ahead is clear and free of obstacles. But I can still make my own obstacles or head for the cliff and take a great fall to end it all. 

Today I’m an educated “Marvelous Toy”!  A toy that has “Been there, done that” and takes the time to ask ” How important is it?”. I’m not tossed around by so many outside forces. On the days I don’t have much “ zip” I appreciate and find comfort in the “ whirr” in being still. I take good care of my toy. I put it in a safe place and never wind it too tight, and no flipping or jumping anymore. I hope for lots more “zip”.