We do so many things to keep the business, the family, the relationship rolling. So many of them go unnoticed. Knowing that our acts contribute to the success can be enough for us to repeat them. So we continue in the role, unseen and unrecognized.

I’m not questioning the significance our small parts play. They are the cornerstone of big potential. “There are no small parts, only small actors” said Stanislavski. I can align my motivation with that philosophy most of the time. Although, I also like to shine, if only for a moment. Sometimes, knowing we donated in a small way feeds contentment. At other times, we need more than that to acknowledge these minor, but crucial pillars: a nod, a knowing wink, a thank you, a smile, a hug.

Most of us will participate without it. How much more enjoyable the experience when it’s identified?

Tent pegs bracing the big top,
Question mark’s round, bottom drop,
Bony knuckles and knobby knees,
Inferred clauses and silent “e”s

The silent rest beat before the song,
The fork’s second and third tongs,
Sturdy curtain rods and caster wheels,
Foamy shaving cream, banana peels,

Car tire treads and air nozzles,
Hardy hair in ears and schnozzles,
Shiny eye teeth and washer rings,
Secondhand marks on antique things,

While un-appreciation takes its toll,
Thankless assignments play big roles,
Invisibles attend to unavoidables,
Smile muscles help finance valuables.

B. Toner March 2023