To Read on the Journey

Friday, August 17, 2007

Being made Real

From the Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams
A conversation between Rabbit and the Skin Horse-

"What is REAL?" asked the Rabbit one day. "Does it mean having things that buzz inside you and a stick-out handle?"
"Real isn't how you are made," said the Skin Horse. "It's a thing that happens to you. When a child loves you for a long , long time, not just to play with , but really loves you, then you become Real." "Does it hurt?" "Sometimes." For he was always truthful. "When you are Real you don't mind being hurt." "Does it happen all at once, like being wound up, or bit by bit?" "It doesn't happen all at once. You become. It takes a long time. That's why it doesn't happen to people who break to easily, or who have sharp edges, or who have to be carefully kept. Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in the joints and very shabby. But these things don't matter at all, because once you are Real you can't be ugly, except to people who don't understand.".... The rabbit sighed. He thought it would be a long time before this magic called Real happened to him. He longed to become Real, to know what it felt like; and yet the idea of growing shabby and losing his eyes and whiskers was rather sad. He wished he could become it without these uncomfortable things happening to him.


4 comments:

Family Jules said...

It does hurt a little, but I can't live without "Real".

Sarah Markley said...

Your Sacramento trip seems like a good, much needed break. And, as to "realness", I have always felt a connection with that story. I always had animals that were "real" and way too loved. And I guess I have to remember that when I feel "shabby", its because I am being loved!

Chad Markley said...

So Sarah, my amazing wife, tells me to check out this post on your blog. How funny that I read the Velveteen Rabbit to my daughter Hope just tonight! The story is so very true and to think this was the first time I had read it! Geez Thx for the great post - Chad

Janelle said...

Can I rest here in this spot of acceptance?