Jonathan Moore
Melinda Schroeder English Composition 101 October 6, 2016 Throughout my life there has been a particular place where my imagination runs wild. The first impression is of a long abandoned fortress or temple partially reclaimed by the environment, with eroded words from a long dead language. Partially buried under sands of time I imagine what it must have been like when it was in its prime, bustling with activity. Upon approach there are chambers on the main level providing access to the interior, while stairways on either side allow visitors to climb to the upper level and top of the structure. Choosing which way to go depends on which story is playing in my head at the time. As I climb the stairs to the right I see the slanted wall where I used to climb, pretending to be Spiderman (a story for another time). Standing at the top is like being on the edge of two worlds. To one side is a view of distant land masses bordered by a great sea, while on the other is where the Paguah people would meet and go about their daily lives. Looking down on the upper level there are two round sunken places where they would gather, sitting on the circular steps to discuss philosophy, politics, or tribal concerns. At the other round they would gather to celebrate the arts. Activities could be seen in all directions from inside the small uppermost part of the structure where access to the roof from the sea side where public addresses could be made. The lower level has many rooms that echoe every footstep as you enter. These were the places for meetings, for storage, for worship- it’s hard to know as evidence of their use had been lost to erosion. There is, however, a room that feels like a place of torture or sacrifice with beams on the ceiling that secured shackles holding victims. There are secret entrances to passages and alcoves lit only the small amount of defused light from either entrance that dims further still as you walk deeper in. Within the alcove as I stand quietly in the in the pitch black, the eerie sense of things past grabs hold of me. The waters rhythmic dripping gives way to the beat of my heart followed by voices of the hiding Paguah whispering to each other in fear of their fate. Then, in abrupt silence, the Paguah are no more and the sounds of the dripping water returns. Though you will never find the Paguah in human history; though the place I visit was never host to any kind of tragedy; though this place is not really that old; this is the place I go, to let my imagination run wild.
6 Comments
10/7/2016 01:36:14 pm
This is an amazing way of describing this place. You described it perfectly. Showing me how you felt when in the pitch black was my favorite, because I can relate, as I feel the same way when I visit there. Almost a sense of panic making you want to run to the light.
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Jonathan
10/8/2016 08:26:26 pm
Thanks for the comment Andrea,
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Andrea Albaugh
10/11/2016 08:15:05 pm
I love how you started it with the descriptions of the area. You make it seem like its from a fairytale. I also really liked how you opened the narriative and ended it in a similar way it really drew it to a close.
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10/13/2016 05:45:56 pm
Thanks Andrea, I'm glad you enjoyed it. Fort Worden always takes me to fun places.
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Melinda Schroeder
10/12/2016 12:36:22 pm
NIce! I loved the descriptions here and how vivid your details are of Ft. Worden. Such a cool locale to explore!
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10/13/2016 05:47:44 pm
Thanks Professor, I wasn't sure if you would appreciate my approach or not. I'm glad you liked it.
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Jonathan MooreJust a local person excited to be learning. Archives
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