Rallentanda

Rallentanda

Friday, July 18, 2025

W3 Weekly Prompt --- FRIDAY WRITINGS # 186 POETS AND STORYTELLERS UNITED


CARDBOARD BOX

there was a time
before advanced technology
when endless hours of play
with a cardboard box
an item available to all
afforded happiness and delight

back then
children made 
puppet theatres
cubby houses
cars and carriages
frugal fun for all








eventually
a lot of these kids evolved into
creative  thinkers
problem solvers
well adjusted stable people
with an understanding of
camaraderie and cooperation
not needing to use magniloquent words
to cover up inadequacies

 nowadays
with advanced technology
the popular pursuit is
watching unsuitable material
often toxic and damaging
on their smart phones

we call it progress 




15 comments:

  1. Reminds me of an old Greek proverb: "Every wrong-doer shall be hanged high by his little leg"... How true what you describe, Rall.

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  2. It's all Greek to me...Agapi mou !

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  3. I remember my kids having lots of fun in a carboard playhouse.

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  4. Indeed yes, I am lucky enough to remember those days. I was the proud maker of a puppet theatre, among other things. I have to agree with you – and that cartoon is a perfect closing comment!

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  5. This is bringing to mind an old British TV skit along the lines of 'You've never been so lucky, when I was a child all I had to play with was a stick', to which another replies, 'You were lucky, all I had was an imaginary friend', to which another replies......and it goes on and on. I'd like to see that show again, whatever it was.

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  6. Ha...find out what it is. I'd like to see it too. All people have now are imaginary friends on face book, blog friends etc. They just want to text , not phone or meet up even if they live close by.

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  7. I love the thought that proper play creates stable people - superb! Jae

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  8. Rall, this really hits home. That bit about not needing “magniloquent words” to cover up inadequacies—so sharp. It’s wild how much joy used to come from something as simple as a cardboard box… and yeah, we call it progress, but I’m not so sure.

    Much love,
    David
    SkepticsKaddish.com

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  9. Cardboard boxes and suitcases featured a lot with our kids. Hopefully there are still kids out there discovering the joys of cardboard space ships and suitcase shaped boats🤞

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  10. What a beautifully nostalgic and thought-provoking piece. It captures the simplicity and creative joy of childhood in contrast to today’s complex digital world. The message is powerful, reflective, and incredibly timely. A gentle reminder that true imagination doesn’t need a screen, just a cardboard box.

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  11. Rall, I feel you have echoed thoughts as old as time itself; from that first timepiece, to transport, to telescope, to television…

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  12. I am blessed to share these memories with you ... we are blessed to have experienced them. Cheers!

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  13. If children aren't told that things are GARBAGE they'll still play with them. Like cats--have some fun with the toy, as much or more fun with the packaging.

    PK

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  14. hi, Rall 💗

    Just wanna let you know that this week's W3, hosted by our beloved Lesley, is now live:

    W3

    Enjoy❣️

    Much love,
    David
    SkepticsKaddish.com

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  15. That cartoon says it all!

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