play dough : a sequel
Updated: Mar 28

i opened the container
its vibrant, colorful lid distinguishing it from the rest of the set,
a brand new tub of dough waiting for someone to play with it.
i took a whiff and allowed its scent to fill the air.
it smelled familiar, nostalgic, distinct
almost as if i had smelled this before.
i pulled out the dough
a feeling of euphoria washed over me
i played with it for a while, rolling it in my hand, molding it, shaping it
then i smashed my hand onto the dough, flattening it out, leaving an imprint of a fist.
and just like that, i left it out on the table with chalky residue on my hands that i went to wash off.
so i moved on to the next toy
amused, occupied, just another way to keep me busy,
with not a thought about how the poor play dough was left to dry.
then i found it the next day
dry, cracked, unpliable,
unplayable.
i cried and i whined
“mommy i ruined the play dough!”
my small fingers yearned for something to entertain me
something to grasp to distract me.
so the next day i went to the toy store