The Antique Shop

The Antique Shop Like a boy let loose in a candy store so are my eyes in an antique shop. They fix on a bewildering array of items as I browse about, though I have nothing particular in mind. It’s always that one item that will catch and hold my eye like an exceptionally pretty face or a loud voice in a crowd that will draw my attention and catch my interest. Antiques, like orphans, wait patiently to be adopted to a new home where they can be of service and contribute to the pleasure of a new owner. They are also like actors temporarily out of work, without a practical part to play out. Many wear their original decorative costumes, others are plain. Most have aged and bear the scars, cracks and nicks of use and time – no disgrace that – rather a fine testimony to their usefulness. Still others show scarcely any defects of daily use at all, perhaps having lived in protective glassed-in enclosures, brought out only on Sundays or special occasions, to be seen and praised only by refined eyes and minds and genteel manners. Above all, antiques are like neglected flesh in need of loving attention, a loving touch – and who of us does not require or would even refuse that kind of reassurance?