Part of the furniture

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One of the oddest expressions I know is that in which a person is described as being part of the furniture – though it is often a status I feel I used to have in my old family home. It can get very easy to take someone for granted and forget they are present. Important family news or changes may not be shared with them. I learned of my Mum’s plans to remarry, and my sister’s plans to move out of our house after her first wedding (of three) when overhearing it mentioned to others – no one approached me directly to tell me about such matters. I’m not sure which part of the furniture I am or which part I’d want to be. Carpet – always under everyone’s feet. Bed – a source of everyone else’s rest and pleasure. Bathtub – Receptacle for everyone else’s muck. TV set – changed at another person’s whim, and stared at constantly. Everyone thinks everything on me is rubbish and threatens to change me for a replacement model – Oh God, I am a family TV set! Now I have my own place and my own furniture. I like to think I am a book shelf, carrying wisdom and entertainment for all. What piece of furniture would you like to be? Arthur Chappell