I’m thinking of two metaphors today about air. Vacuum storage bags and balloons. 

When I’ve used vacuum storage bags, a queen sized comforter suddenly fits compact on a shelf taking up less space than a shoe box. The air is magically vacuumed out (not really magically – it’s a vacuum) and all that is left is flat, heavy fiber brick. 

A balloon – a spare piece of material that lies limply waiting for someone to realize that it is something more. Looking all limp and like a piece of colorful trash. And when air is blown into it, not only is its shape found, it is also transformed and light begins to stream through and there are shades and shadows and flight and play. Joy. Discovery. Squeaks and squeals. 

Without air. With air. 

Which are you?