Imperfection

Today's writing prompt from 365 Days of Writing Prompts is imperfection: "Imperfections -- in things, in people, in places -- add character to life. Tell us about an imperfection that you cherish."

Nothing came to mind right away. I initially started thinking about the things I love. (I decided to talk about a thing, not a person, because no one wants their imperfections published on the internet, even if I am saying what I like about them.)

I look around my room, think about the places I've lived, the things I have, and I really struggle to think of anything "imperfect" that I like. I don't like when my things are broken or worn out or dirty. I just don't. I tend to think that problems are meant to be fixed. I may like something with a flaw, but I don't like the flaw itself.

This prompt proves more difficult to answer than I thought it would be. I can't talk about an imperfect thing that I cherish, I have to cherish the imperfection itself.

As I think about it, I think it's much easier to love flaws in nature than to love flaws in the man-made. When the ground is dirty, we rejoice; when the carpet is dirty, we get angry. Rugged mountains are far more well-loved than even the straight, perfect edges of buildings. We hate a leaky sink but love a trickling brook.

Indeed, the only "material" thing that I found that I liked the flaw in was my hiking boots. I like that they're dirty and starting to get worn out. They bespeak the adventures I've been on. When I look at them, many fond memories come to mind. If they were still new and shiny, the only memory associated with them would be when I bought them in the store.

So the only reason I love an imperfection on a man-made thing is because of its natural associations.

In nature, art, and people, flaws can be beautiful and celebrated. The man-made world strives for perfection, and this is the world we live in and strive for. Why?


God bless.