This is pure nature -
wild, raw, unadorned.

Beautiful and abundant to those
who are willing to learn, to see;
harshly unforgiving to those who trespass.

This is primal testing ground,
at once ancient and fresh.

There are no subway maps here,
no gruff gas station attendants
to give directions.
No convenience stores or fast food.
No locks or feather pillows or hot water.

Out here, the civilized world means nothing.
Out here, mistakes can get you killed.

And so help me, I find that incredibly
refreshing.

This is life whittled down
to the true necesseties.
This is life with challenge,
life requiring skill.

In a world that revolves around
safety and sanitation and political correctness,
this is a reality with meaning.

03/19/2006

Author's Note: An idea that came while thinking of the amazing landscapes of Australia. God, I want to go back. Forgive me if it's not as refined/coherent as usual. It's 3:30 in the morning, but it demanded to be written down.

Posted on 03/19/2006
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