This is the first of a series of from Lonelyhearts Pawn Shop, a series of letters and weekly "predictions" from the propietress of Queenly Pawn, who has come to be known as the "Pawn Queen." The series can be read in its entirety in Lonelyhearts Pawn Shop, published by Light and Dust Books.
Last weekend, I decided to sell puppets in Queenly Pawn. I think they're cute. Besides, you have to admit that it's fun to imagine yourself with total control over something.
My cats, however, were not so enthusiastic. They explained to me that anything that symbolized the usurpation or loss of free will by an outside agent was profoundly distressing to all felines. I told the cats that humans aren't so finicky. They don't care, just as long as someone gives them just enough food to eat, a place to sleep, and a weekly lottery ticket.
We're happy as long as we can fantasize about winning the jackpot. I will place my order for puppets tomorrow. In the meantime, I'm going to buy myself a lottery ticket.
Puppet or puppet-master?
Ask a stranger to choose a number between 1 and 6. This is your fate for the week.
1- A MARIONETTE, PROPELLED BY STRINGS
Perhaps the most famous puppet was Coppelia, the beautiful mechanical doll, whom her creator, Dr. Coppelius, dreams of bringing to life. The Delibes ballet, Coppelia, brings tears of joy and recognition to all the audience. How we long to have our vision of perfection come alive… It is joyous and magical. Today, you will find life in things you previously considered inanimate.
2- HAND PUPPET, THE FINGERS DO THE TALKING
Kukla on the proscenium - the simplicity is ravishing. You're remembering the puppet shows of your childhood - of television, school, neighborhood children. How much do we reveal of ourselves when we animate a little sock and it becomes a puppet. Kukla, Fran, and Ollie… do you remember? You will be very lucky today, especially if you think of your past.
3- STUFFED POODLE
You're obedient, verging on the subservient. Aren't you a bit disgusted with yourself? You were not born to be like this - a sycophantic lap dog who has forgotten what it means to bark, growl, and show resistance. Defend your territory! Bite if you have to. You will reap rewards for standing your ground.
4- A DRAGON BREATHING GOLD-FOIL FIRE
If only foil were as hot as the furnace in which your dreams were forged. You are marvelous, dear. You are on target. Your words glitter when they emanate from your mouth, people shiver when you speak. You are love, dignity, and hope incarnate. Now, don't let your friends down. They are counting on you.
5- GENGHIS KHAN ATOP A WHITE HORSE
Conquer, conquer, conquer! It's too late. You have already done it. You have made all the right decisions (even if it doesn't seem so), and the magical life you lead is about to erupt in showers of sparks and shimmering light. You should enter politics, dear. Yes. You're that good.
6- A DANCING COCKROACH
Ahhh-HA!! A Mexican folkloric dance reminds you of the dances you've seen - dances with swords, knives, and fire. Sure, it's a little hard on the knees. But, the energy is primordial, primitive, and something you should maintain in your core being. It will keep you fervent. You will attract people because you care. And, people will respect your survival instinct. What is it they say? That sharks and cockroaches are the only things that would survive a catastrophic environmental event? Ah yes. Indulge yourself in your cockroachness today. Be shameless. You'll survive.
Yep. Stuff I like :)