Animal Crackers

I pass them up each time I'm buying groceries, casting them a look of longing as they sat at the checkout aisle, next to People and National Enquirer and gum. I remember them so well. They were my comfort, my fun, I would count the animals, sometimes. I would lay them all out in front of me, make stacks, see how many of each kind I got in one box.

Then I'd eat one. Deciding on which one I wanted wasn't easy, but since I'm a cat lover, I remember eating the lions, and then the zebras, because they had ridges. I loved the box they came in and the little string holder. Yes, they still make them exactly the same way. They were a reminder of school lunches, of lunchpails, and sitting on the benches to eat, of recess and having something special that day to look forward to.

So this time, I picked up a box and set it on the checkout. My husband looked at me. "Are you buying those?"
"Yes, I want to remember. I just want to look at them again."

And when I got them home, I opened the box, spread out my animals and counted. Then I ate one.
Just like when I was a kid.

I love having that box in my cupboard. I love the shape and colors. I love the string handle. They don't make things like they used to. They've been around a long time. Do you remember?