booandbunny

What would you attempt if you knew you would not fail?


If I knew I wouldn’t fail, I’d attempt to become a carpenter, to build things with my hands that could function for lifetimes. I love the smell that comes from the wood, and the power that comes from the tools and the amazement that comes from seeing pieces rise together as a single entity. My grandfather was quite gifted, creating portraits in inlaid wood; furniture; and functional items such as candlesticks and cup racks and salad bowls and tongs. If I knew I could turn the lathe and get a candlestick, I’d start turning. If I knew I could swing a hammer and hit a nail, I’d come out swinging.

If I knew it wouldn’t look like a melted marshmallow on the end of a stick I’d draw someone’s face.

I’d create art … any kind of art … without paper or a keyboard … maybe even without words.

I’d tell my mom how I feel.

I’d run onto the floor during my daughter’s gymnastics class and tumble the length of the gym.

I’d strap on ice skates and do a triple triple then reach backward, lift one foot over my head and spin until … until … until the wind created by my own whirling numbed my ears and burned my lungs.

I’d sail alone for a day, with nothing to listen to but my own thoughts and the waves, and see if I could go 24 hours without talking!