Back to the Future

When I saw these old, discarded chairs I slowed my bike and pulled over to take a closer look. I didn’t have much time because I was in transit, but I lingered long enough to imagine these chairs in their heyday.

I envisioned a room with a happy hum of voices, people dressed up, laughter. Tables full of crudités and a big bowl of sherbet punch or a boozy eggnog. I pictured balloons and crepe paper leading to a banner signifying life milestones: happy birthday; welcome home; happy retirement. A record plays in the background. Life dances on…

A perfect heirloom, chairs can be a token from one generation to the next. They help facilitate important milestones in our lives by gathering people around dinner tables, card games, fireplaces. In exchange for care and maintenance, they remain in our loyal service for generations.

Can we see past rusty frames and battered bits to the beauty that was and the potential that awaits?