Penny's Pages

Share this post
One Odd Object: When Something Belongs
www.pennyspages.com

One Odd Object: When Something Belongs

Penny J. Johnson
Apr 17, 2020
Share this post
One Odd Object: When Something Belongs
www.pennyspages.com

A skull sits on my bookshelf.

My sons could be indignant. I never allowed them to buy anything with a skull on it when they were younger. I have little to no control over their purchasing habits now. But, they know not to expect a compliment for such a choice.

Why the seeming hypocrisy? That requires a closer the look. I did promise to explain about this heirloom that exemplifies a particular artist I appreciate. I highly doubt I would have a skull on my bookshelf otherwise!

The skull--which appeared in my mailbox bearing my address and postage--sits on my bookshelf near my complete works of Shakespeare. Its plastic visage is scattered with quotations from Hamlet written in permanent marker. I'll admit finding a skull in my mailbox was a rather disconcerting discovery. Until I realized the identity of the sender.

I have other objects not-quite-so-odd from this intriguing, unique individual. She is an oddity and a character, yet we share more in common than not with our mutual love of books, our prowess for poetry, and our desire for deeper faith. We have an abiding friendship that passes tests and surpasses expectations. She has convinced me to admire Tolkien, although I still prefer Lewis. I gave her all my hats I never wear. Literally. Probably figuratively, too. For someone like me, who rarely feels comradery in the crowd, she is one of the people in my life who helps me believe I do belong.

As does the skull sitting on my bookshelf.

Share this post
One Odd Object: When Something Belongs
www.pennyspages.com
Comments

Create your profile

0 subscriptions will be displayed on your profile (edit)

Skip for now

Only paid subscribers can comment on this post

Already a paid subscriber? Sign in

Check your email

For your security, we need to re-authenticate you.

Click the link we sent to , or click here to sign in.

TopNewCommunity

No posts

Ready for more?

© 2022 Penny J. Johnson
Privacy ∙ Terms ∙ Collection notice
Publish on Substack Get the app
Substack is the home for great writing