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The Muskeg
| Open Poetry #42 |
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The Muskeg |
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Jaime Fradera Senior Member
since 2000-11-25
Posts 843Where no tyranny is tolerable |
The Muskeg It is morning. A knock on my door. That would be Elizabeth. She's coming with me to audiology. But it is not Elizabeth. It is Kate and some guy I don't know; Some guy who doesn't speak. It is they, and not Elizabeth, who are going to come with me. I wonder why Elizabeth didn't tell me this. We get off at the hospital. Kate takes my arm and I rush effortlessly down hospital halls. I wonder if we are "walking" too fast, if I should pay more attention how to move my legs. Then I am in Alaska. I step outside and fall into a muskeg. But it's okay, I don't even get wet. I hear splashing and moaning and croaking sounds of the strange creatures swimming around in the muskeg. I think: Okay, but this is boring. What about the people or their culture? The guide says this is off the beaten path. She says they are contemptuous of the cruise tourists who come every summer. They come with cameras and cam corders. They don't care about the people or to learn of other cultures. The cruise tourists only come here to gawk and take pictures of exotic things. She says they just make fun of the cruise tourists. The natives sell them cheap, mass produced junk from South Korea. She takes me to a large, short-wave receiver. She says how important radio in the Arctic is, how it represents a principal link to the rest of the world. She flips to a channel, which, she says, is a webcast from CBC Whitehorse; but I don't believe her until I hear the program change. I am absolutely astounded. A broadcast begins in an aboriginal dialect. I ponder the vast distances of Alaska. I think of massive, forbidding mountain passes, and glaciers and of the sea. I think of how raw and harsh Nature must be here, and yet in-parabley beautiful for those who can find beauty in harshness. I think of communities scattered across the Arctic, that would be utterly isolated from each other and from the world were it not for technology and roof-top dishes. Then I'm having lunch in my apartment. I hear strange noises from the bathroom. Did I forget to turn off a faucet? I open the door and fell a hot gust of humid air. someone is helping themselves to my shower. I yell out and hear a woman's voice mumbling in response. I yank back the shower curtain but there is no one there. Where did she go? What business is she doing in my shower? A bit frightened, I run from room to room in an attempt to find and catch her, but she can see me and she darts away; and I can not hear enough to follow voices. I ponder: should I call the manager? Should I call the police? This is very irritating I hear her mumbling, darting away, until she decides to let me find and corner her. She tells me she is Alison. I think Whoa ... WHAT!!!!!? I do not call the police. She wants a hug, snow still in her hair. She says: I really miss your sensive .... And then I wake up, safe, and in a warm bed. Today is Monday ... ... ... Southern Cross |
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amusemi Senior Member
since 2001-12-08
Posts 1262A State of Disarray |
Great storytelling. Enjoyed! |
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Alison 
since 2008-01-27
Posts 9318Lumpy oatmeal makes me crazy! |
Jaime, Wow! Okay, that said (smiles) let's move on to my comments and thoughts about your poem. Wow! Whoops, sorry - I am repeating myself, aren't I. My friend, I read your poem/dream/story earlier today (I admit that I read it more than once). After my initial shock of seeing the word "muskeg" in the title and my name in your poem, I noted how it seems that you have been here before. You captured some of the thoughts of Alaskans and you painted the muskeg as if it had been a home to you. First, I thought that the beginning was interesting. You have this knack of taking us (the readers) on a journey with you. I am not sure that all have your map (smiles), but those of who do are often delighted with the trip that you take us on. You have a way of describing your life in a way that weaves through the stories you tell. You are a storyteller - or so I believe. I am going on a long time here in response, but I have a lot to say. So if you drift to sleep soon I'll understand. There are strange creatures in a muskeg, but you are right. It can be boring if you don't smell the fresh scent of berry bushes and the aroma of dank water. You can hear the cranes' song as they dance in the spring - and the geese calling as they pass through in the fall. Jaime, there are small flowers growing close to the ponds - flowers that are perfect for a fairy bouquet. And the frogs croak .. and, oh God, we hate the hum of the mosquitoes! In the winter it is a flat land calling for recreational delights. Skiiers and snowmachiners have a ball in the muskegs. It's flat land with old growth trees, gnarly and stunted to mark the otherwise barren winter terrain. And, yes, Alaskans do have a strong disdain for those who sweep through our state, never leaving their Cruise vacations, buying trinkets by the trunk load. But, we are coming around and realizing that these people are herded like cattle and want to see more, but are not allowed the time. They are often exhausted and on sensory overload. They also spend mass quantities of money in our remote state - so we love them all the more (yes, we all have a price). Radios were once huge for communication here, but now satellites have allowed for more modern conveniences - like cable tv and telephones. Remote communties of Indians and Eskimoes are trying to retain the ways of old and also adapting to the encroachment of the newer ways. Sadly, the newer ways often are very expensive - and jobs are not always easy to find in some of the villages off the road system. People often think that Alaskans are wealthy with the Permanent Fund Dividend and oil money. Sadly, we are like any other place. The rich are rich - and the poor really struggle. Maybe more so than other places because of extreme cold in the winters and the cost to get goods out to villages. There are few roads in this huge state. I am going on too much, I know. But you seemed interested. And yes, the beauty of the glaciers and volcanoes and the inlets and bays is incredible. There is great beauty here (although the towns are among the ugliest I have seen anywhere. Alaskans are notorious for not wanting city planning and such .. and, sadly, it shows). Now as for me. (grins big) What WAS I doing in your shower??? And WHY was I mumbling? Only the Shadow knows! That is for us all to find out in the next installment of your dreams. I often have snow in my hair and I AM a hugger. So, you got me there! Jaime, I am delighted by this poem. Thank you for writing it and thank you for including me in your fantastic dream! Your friend, Alison |
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poddarku Senior Member
since 2008-01-15
Posts 589india |
keep experimenting. you have a gift that needs further developement. |
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Jaime Fradera Senior Member
since 2000-11-25
Posts 843Where no tyranny is tolerable |
Ali! Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww. You just have NO IDEA ... ... ... well ... ...maybe you do. ... And don't worry about going on and on and on ... and on ... and ... Gentle and tender hugs Jaime |
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