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Paradisal Gaol |
| Written by Michael Tan | |
| Monday, 21 January 2008 | |
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Share it:      Endless sun, sand, sea, and surf. A 360 degree view of the cloudless and unspoiled horizon. An ancient jungle with a primitive village deep in the heart of green. A remote island: total isolation... A gaol... I ran through the ordinary village and saw many huts pass-by me of my people-my tribe. Men began their daily routine-gathered in one spot collecting their spears-to hunt in order to hopefully catch an animal or fish today. While women gathered for wild-berries and fruit to cook up for the tribe later tonight. The children had a little time to play around together or do some exploring of the island before helping around in the village. I surpassed the boundaries of my village onto the outskirts-into the dense forest. Twigs, leaves, and roots of plants and trees covered the earth underneath, causing it to be bumpy and harsh. The leaves and branches above covered the sunlight which made it dark, dank, and silent-made the domain look untouched and foreign, even to me. Vines covered and constricted the old trees up to the canopy-making it easy for anyone to climb up and find where they are if lost, and it was also good to hide in. I wasn't lost though, so there was no need for me to climb it-I knew where I was going. Like I always do, I ran as fast as I could through the jungle-puffing at times-until I could see a glimpse of light, which meant I neared the end of the forest. When I saw the light, I broke through the vines and trees blocking me; feeling relieved as I sensed the sunlight and gentle breeze upon my tanned skin, and the warm soft sand underneath. Hearing the crash of the salty-scented waves upon the rocks and sand. That was not the end though-I travelled along the beach waiting to reach my usual spot. I was getting tired so I began walking there instead. Sinking a little bit on the sand, I walked continuously along the beach until I saw a large smooth rock which slightly covered a long wooden-made walkway or path from view. A 'wharf' was what I heard them call it. They came here from large boats with many see-through barriers, and celebrated all the time; coming and going. I jumped onto the slanted rock and climbed it to hop onto the wharf, and walked along the planks to other end of the sea; curiously looking at all the structures of the large buildings that were nice and well-covered-unlike our village huts. I frequently came here and quietly walked about the area and saw many bizarre things that enthralled and amazed me-expanding my imagination constantly. Many people here were pale-skinned-they were nice to me, even though we don't converse and understand each other. I never understood why my elderlies usually said bad things about these people. They usually said that the white-people are hateful, inconsiderate, and selfish, and that I should never mix too much with them. To me, they are of the opposite... At least, that's what I think... I always imagined and wished that I lived with these people and come back to their land that they lived in-which would be filled with many unusual things. But there will be my family that I'd worried about if I had left-wishing they could come with me also, but they refused when I asked them. I am the only one in my tribe that liked the white-people; I am also the only one who is sick of living in my small village. Time passed quickly as I wandered around the place; the sun was setting, and the sky grew darker. I had better head back home before everything goes black. I'm going to be late-I'm usually late home. As a consequence, I get into trouble from my elderlies because I was suppose to help out around the village, and gather or hunt food for my tribe. But I don't care that I get into trouble-and get punished... Cause one day, I'll leave this place... One day, I'll be with them...
Copyright 2008 Michael Tan |
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