Views: 8,640

An Open Letter to the ATM

All > "Art" > Literature > Humor > An Open Letter to the ATM by jlcoke

640 800 Full

What a torrid relationship we have had. We've known each other for what, 7, maybe 8 years now? There have been highs and there have been lows. There were times when you gently took the card from my hands, my fingers danced on your stainless steel keypad, and from your dispensing slot came crisp, neatly stacked twenties. How many times have I grabbed my money in excitement and walked away, only to hear you beeping behind me, as if whispering in your sweet robotic voice, "Don't forget your card, Josh." Sometimes I wonder if you might be my guardian angel.

I sometimes think of you as a great sage, dispensing not merely currency, but also divine wisdom if one knows how to ask. If I know just what buttons to push, and I like to think that after so many years together I do, you tell me my balance, be it checking or savings. You know so much about me, and I so little about you. What are you hiding from me beneath your fortified metal exterior? I'd love to find out, if only you'd let me. Alas, I sometimes feel that not even a crowbar could get you to open up to me.

Times haven't always been good, though. When we first came together, I must confess that I sometimes hated the very sight of you. It's not your fault though; it's not your fault. I wanted to take more than you were willing to give. I was selfish, and once I tried to take something from you that I knew you weren't willing to give me. You slapped me with an overdraft fee. It stung at first and afterward I felt so foolish and ashamed. Now, I can't tell you how much I thank you. It was what I needed, and I think you knew that.

Things got better between us after that little incident. I learned to respect you, and you respected me too. I knew that I hadn't put enough into our relationship for me to try and take so much out. I know now that in a healthy relationship, you can only get out as much as you put in.

I have to admit, though, that sometimes I feel like you can be a little controlling. Now, don't be mad, I want you to really listen. Not all the time, but sometimes, you keep me from doing the things I'd like to do on my own. I don't come to you asking for a lot, but on that rare occasion, you might not feel like giving me what I need. I remember the first time it happened, when I came to see you like I had so many times before. Instead of your usual, friendly greeting, you had a stern, blank face. I tried to casually slip my card in like I always had, but you didn't even respond. I felt rejected. So home I went, with my weekend plans dashed and not so much as a dollar in my hand. There was no reason that should have happened, no reason at all. What's worse is that it seems to be happening all too often these days. Are you to be the chess master, and I forever your pawn?

I like to think that ours is a relationship built on a firm foundation of mutual trust and respect. Sure, it may lack the passion and excitement that others sometimes have, but let's not forget that those feelings are fleeting, and that long after they're gone, you and I will still have our bond. We've been through a lot together, but I've got a feeling that the best is yet to come.

---