Aluminum is a marvel. Aluminum is a slippery slope.

I have recently fallen into the gentle, insidious arms of Lacroix and Bubly. Due to various medical bullshit one of the only special drinks I can have is flavored seltzer water. I can’t infuse seltzer water with fruit flavors for other dietary reasons, so am dependent on these manufacturers’ science. Our recycling bin overflows with grapefruit-pink and lime green cans.

When I started buying these single-use drinks I felt terrible, looking at those beautiful, pristine shapes in the bin. Even if aluminum is nigh infinitely recyclable a lot of energy is expended in transport and smelting. I compulsively wanted to take those cans back out.

So I do. I wash them, cut them up, and twist the shapes together with wire so aluminum leaves, flowers, animals and tools rain down. These strands can be rearranged in any way. They can be taken apart. Their compositions are ephemeral and infinite.

The process is a miniature see-saw of assuaging guilt and making prettiness. Perhaps one day I (we) will not need (use) cans. For now, I will think on what else I can do with these marvels in my bin.