The Idea by Larry Ruoff

As time passed, it became apparent that my idea wasn't like the others. No one quite knew what to make of it. Still, it had an alluring quality that couldn't be easily dismissed.

It was assimilated into a youthful culture of joy and innocence and became quite popular. Soon the word spread about its "esoteric" appeal, and it enjoyed widespread support.

But with notoriety came dissent. There were those who saw it as a dangerous and radical concept. The naysayers came forth and challenged the brazen pretender. As the legions of detractors grew, an unstable environment developed. The opposition met the faithful, and all hell broke loose! The ensuing riots left many dead and injured, and in the chaos that followed, my idea slipped away, leaving many to wonder what could have caused such turmoil.

It was rediscovered by a young woman who happened upon it and, in time, grew quite fond of the idea. It fulfilled her desire for companionship, engaged her imagination, and became her confidante. Many were the nights she spent close to the idea, comforted by the warmth and security it provided.

She escorted it to her church and let the others feel the source of her commitment. Presented in such a forum, superlatives reigned, and it was revered for its power. There were those who knew it was lacking but couldn't bring themselves to mount a meaningful assault. They feared they would be condemned for their blasphemous remarks. The idea stood tall upon the altar and became an almighty icon.

It soon found its way in to the working world and secured a place in society. Growing ever more powerful, it battled its contemporaries for prominence in the crowded marketplace. Some tried to copy it and take credit for that which they didn't understand. Still others tried to build upon it but could find no meaningful foundation on which to begin.

The ruthlessness that defined the period fostered its monolithic growth. One by one, the others were deemed unworthy by a jaded society. Soon, all the other ideas paled in comparison. The billboards proclaimed, "An Idea Whose Time Has Come."

The power brokers of society came to call it their own. They sat on their thrones and looked down on the rest of civilization; their idea of how things should be remained secure on higher ground. In time, though, they became fat and complacent and carelessly paraded their trophy about, leaving it vulnerable.

One night, in the ultimate indignity, a frail elderly man stole it from them while they slept. He brought it to his home, and it awoke amidst the pain and squalor. He carefully set it on his dated mantle, moving the others aside to make room for one more. He wondered aloud how so many could attribute value to such an obviously worthless notion.

The man stepped back and shook his head. His collection of old ideas had become quite large.