Philosophical musings

The Marionette and the Kite

I wish I knew the names of the inventors of these two string-held toys: the marionette and the kite.

Do you?

Or even know the real story behind their inventions.

I know neither.

Perhaps a quick search online would reveal the full story.

But I’m not actually interested, not right now.

Actually… I don’t like marionettes.

But I really enjoy watching kites drift across in the sky.

Sometimes I wonder why.

If both work with a string.

If both have someone behind the scenes guiding the string with accuracy, talent, and lots of practice.

And, if both exist for fun and entertainment.

Why? 

But aren’t they are totally different?

The marionette is a puppet, 

and a puppet is a puppet.

It is confined to the stage,

manipulated by a hidden person,

for the two can never appear on the same stage.

It talks, sings, and dances.

It tells stories, and people laugh.

And its manipulator is always after the prize — the profit.

But the kite is different.

It is freedom in the open air.

It is quiet, with just a little flipping and flapping.

And, it is wonderfully flexible, soaring high and flying with the wind.

Its manipulator is not hidden.

Actually… they can’t be manipulators.

They always in the open — brave, steady, and smiling.

Their prize is the sight of freedom, strength, and courage.

Now, if you have two invitations: one for a marionette show and the other for a flying–kite show, which one will you choose?

I would definitely choose the flying-kites show.

And that’s why I like kites and don’t like marionettes.

With free-soaring thoughts,

Nahla