Twinkle, twinkle...I wish I may, I wish I might, have the wish I wish tonight.
An old child's song, it may be the first wish song all remember.
But this one? A Wish for Wings that Work by Berkeley Breathed, the creator of Bloom County. a comic strip that ran from 1980 - 1989. It is unlike any comic strip of its day, as it featured political issues and personal interactions that were not normal for its time.
Opus is a penguin (the main character in Bloom County) who gazes to the sky and longs to join the ducks that catch the wind, flying high and wide. All the while, he flaps his penguin wings hopelessly.
His only flight he can make is in the water where he glides easily. He continually asks and wishes for "wings that work". The only way to attain these wings is to ask Santa Claus to help him. But Santa develops a problem, one that can be solved by Opus, and Opus alone.
His only flight he can make is in the water where he glides easily. He continually asks and wishes for "wings that work". The only way to attain these wings is to ask Santa Claus to help him. But Santa develops a problem, one that can be solved by Opus, and Opus alone.
Wishes are still part of our lives. Although we are older, we still make them casually without thinking that they are still true to us, earthbound people who dream to fly in some way.
I remember that strip well. It was really funny in its heyday. And the opposite of the liberal Doonsbury strip from the seventies.
ReplyDeleteOh, so true. I stopped reading Doonsbury in 1980 for that same reason.
DeleteThat sounds like a sweet book.
ReplyDeleteIt is a book by a talented man with an odd sense of humor!
DeleteSometimes we need to be careful what we wish for. I have found that the least favorable wishes often are the ones that come true.
ReplyDeleteThat seems to be the way of it.
DeleteGreat post. I loved Bloom Country. It was indeed ahead of its time, it was funny and as you point out here, it tackled meaningful themes.
ReplyDeleteWishes and themes are indeed so important.
At the time, Doonsbury was #1 and others were not at all political or challenging.
DeleteWishes. Still make them.
You've just given me an idea for a grown-up someone's Christmas gift!
ReplyDeleteIf this is the book, it will be a surprise.
DeleteI always wish on a star. I also wish on the raindrop that is racing to meld with another raindrop. It's funny how some of these things become automatic.
ReplyDeleteI do not have a star or such that I wish on. Time to claim one.
DeleteHaving seen penguins effortlessly porpoising through the waves I envy them. As I do those (whatever their species) who soar. And yes, I still wish on stars. And would love to be able to take to the skies (among a myriad of other wishes).
ReplyDeleteTake to the skies is a wish of mine as well.
ReplyDeleteI made one wish on a falling star, and it came true. I'm not pushing my luck with another.
ReplyDeleteDon't tempt fate.
DeleteI wish I could turn back the clock ten minutes before I burnt our meal.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Next time, next time.
DeleteAnd one has to be careful what they wish for as it isn't always what they wanted.
ReplyDeleteGenies say the same thing.
DeleteSounds like a good read. I never heard of Opus before.
ReplyDeleteIt is a good read. Some think it is a child's book only, but it truly is more for one who sees Opus's dilemma.
DeleteStorms frighten me. I used to say a few rhyming words in my native language, to express my wish for it to stop; it sounded roughly like that: Stormy storm, go away/Don't you frighten me today/Stop it, stop it now, I say/Please have mercy , go away!
ReplyDeleteWell, you may not believe it but sometimes it helped.
I believe it. That is a wish from the heart.
DeleteBloom County always impressed and amused me, and yes, we all like children still dream and wish. This sounds like a wonderful book.
ReplyDeleteIt truly is a fun read. Children enjoy the art and cute illustrations. Adults also enjoy as well will appreciating the author's sense of humor.
DeleteI was told I did not comment! I thought I did, because I loved the premise of the comic strip, but never read it.
ReplyDeleteAnyway i was struck by your comment on jobs on Shipslog. There is not enough pay for me to be a teacher. Especially in the last 30 years. hahahaha You have my profound respect sweet lady!
Anyway, I do hope my comments stick.
Sherry & jack
Thanks, Jack!
DeleteWe go where we are supposed to go, I think. God has a plan.
I never read or heard of Bloom County, but I don't read the comics. However, I like the idea of wishes, regardless of our age.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was teaching, I read some of the best children's books. This one was a treat to share.
DeleteI've spent my entire life wishing for long hair, and by long I mean waist length and longer. Sadly, my hair makes it about five or six inches past my collar and then stops. oh well, can't have everything.
ReplyDeleteI wish to be as thin as I was 20 yrs ago, but for that wish to happen requires a little more wishing.
DeleteI don't wish for anything. I pray to God that he will lead me and my loved ones in the right direction.
ReplyDeleteGod does lead us! We just need to pay attention and follow His directions.
DeleteWhat a lovely story, Susan, and with a strong message. We humans tend to spend our lives wishing for something that has very little value, then often through hardship, realise what is really of value 🌹
ReplyDeleteWell written, Dee.
DeleteTrue value becomes clearer as we get older, but I think every heart should still have a little wishing well in it. :)
ReplyDeleteWe all need wishing as part of our lives.
DeleteNo point in wishing for what you can't have....just make the best of what you are.
ReplyDeleteI believe we do make the best of who we are for the most part. Yet still, we make wishes knowing they are improbable but still hold a carrot out for us.
DeleteI loved Bloom County; I read it regularly and was so sad when Berkeley Breathed announced he was going to cease writing it - but I understand now where he was coming from with that decision. The strip has come back to life online but I don't read it. I've stopped making those "impossible" wishes (I think). There are one or two I'd like to make but know they will never be possible. Alana ramblinwitham.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteGlad to see your name. Even making impossible wishes brings out a smile (for me). Maybe someday I will get to fly.
DeleteAs a comic book collector I will have to look into this. Thanks for the tip!
ReplyDeleteBlue
Thanks for stopping by! Breathed was/is great. Also we love Calvin and Hobbes by Bill Waterson. He is also incredible.
ReplyDeleteI remember that strip. And that book... I don't know if I read it, but I was familiar with a couple of the compilations. That title sounds so familiar.
ReplyDeleteYou write so beautifully, Susan -- and that last sentence or two is truly memorable and so very true.
ReplyDeletethis is really lovely post dear Susan :)
ReplyDeleteyes wishes are with us unthinkably we make them
but when i think i wish PEACE AND EQUALITY TO THE WORLD !