Another day, as I wake up and all my friends are beside me. And whilst this might sound normal, fun even, I can assure you it was not. Ignored, disregarded and overlooked that was our day to day. You would think we would be used to it by now, the constant contempt and disgust on people’s faces. People stepping on us, spitting on us and flicking their chewing gum. You just never quite get used to such a feeling, no matter hard you try. Everyone around me tells me to stop dreaming, that everyone has their five seconds of fame and that is all, beyond my ‘best by date’ some would argue. Enjoy the time where I was needed, but that time is in the past. I’ve been holding onto that for so long, it feels like a figment of my imagination. Like the glimmer of sunshine through the gloomiest day or the soft breeze caressing on a hot stifling day. I long for those days. I crave to feel wanted.
Am I naive for thinking, that what was once was can no longer be reclaimed? Am I gullible to think that all the anticipation of that ‘special day’ has resulted in me being ‘used and binned’ ? Of course not! Surely not? Right?…
As the rain dredges over me, abruptly snapping me out of my self-loathing pity party. I cannot help but sigh. That was another thing, I miss the warmth and comfort of a home. Hell! I miss the loudness of a home, the heavy thuds of people’s footsteps. Being ‘moved about’ in the hustle and bustle of a ‘chaotic cooking day’. I miss being useful, I miss being the secret to a successful ‘dinner party’. I miss my presence being the life of the party, kind of like ‘final touches to a meal’.
And despite this, despite how I was ‘used and tossed away’ in the past. In the corner of my eye, I saw it, I saw her. The way she looked at me, the gaze portraying the words of a thousand poets. And I know that I should know better, but can I pass the chance to be seen, regarded and acknowledged? When she touched me, everything went quiet. All my anxiety, my fears and doubt. But, it is as if she knew, whispering softly ‘SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production)’. Those words ebbing and flowing, creating cushioning and understanding even into the deepest darkest parts of my brain. Instantly calming and reassuring me.
For the first time in a long time, I feel like I can rest and that’s exactly what I did. And when I awoke, I caught a glimpse of myself and wow if only my friends could see me now, I look presentable again, I look great and full of life. I noticed that something had been added to my ‘sleeve’, in all green with a new symbol Sustainable Manufacturing.
Oh, did I forget to mention I’m a can of beans!
