The Tale of Jackson Heights
Another day has gone by and all that I have left is six quarters. I need to earn more eventually before I retire, before I become a mere decoration or even worse, trash. I have hooves attached to all four limbs, hair that elegantly flows from my head and a nicely decorated saddle fitted on my back. You may have seen me from time to time in movies, pulling a glamorous chariot with the fairest lady of the land or galloping with prince charming through the enchanted forest. However in this world, I am immobile, solidified and hollowed on the inside. Unlike the tales, my job here is supposedly simple: to put smiles on kids and to lighten their mood. This is what I do best. Since I am forever fixed and unable to move, this is the only thing I can do. But how has this career become so challenging? From day to night, I see people walk by me with their little tablets in their hands as if my existence doesn’t matter. Occasionally, three-foot tall boys and girls glance at me with big smiles on their faces, point with their dainty little fingers and beg their parents for consent. But they always end up shaking their heads, not giving me a chance to brighten the dwarves’ day. That makes my heart drop, not just because I wasn’t able to earn two quarters, but worst of all is to see their hearts get broken suppresses my spirit. Do I look impaired? Am I too old for this job? Sure, my paint finish is peeling off bit by bit and my colors are beginning to fade, but I can still rock a kid’s world the same way I have done so for the past thirty or forty years. Why am I being overlooked? Not to sound selfish or anything, but fifty cents is not that terrible for a ten minute joy ride. A box of strawberries costs triple the amount!
I’m not the only one out here. There are more of us in different colors and shapes. You can spot us in front of family owned bodegas and grocery stores. Sometimes we’re next to an ATM machine or the entrance to the underground storage room. Our owners have generously adopted us when no one else would. With the kindness of their hearts, they did not place us here solely for the purpose to earn extra cash. We’re here for the kids and here to spread contentment to all. We’re not asking for much, but only a small donation for a great cause. If I could do this for free, I would.
This is I, Buckie.
