Estuary 4

"I'd like to go into the jungle today," I told Malu that morning over tea and sweet spongy rice cakes. "See what it has to offer in the daytime."

"The jungle does not offer," said Malu. "It rustles. It grows. Sometimes it snaps. That is its nature. It is not Disneyworld. The nature of Disneyworld is fun. The nature of the jungle is to survive. Cruel business. But you want, we go."

"Perhaps there are some ruins," I said lightly, marking my intent.

With that I rose and collected my canteen, camera, and tape recorder. After this time, after I learned the path, I wouldn't need Malu along again. Conversing with him took effort. What I was looking for demanded sharp attention be paid. Its picture was unclear, I was simply compelled to place myself in Borneo. Its sheer stupidity gave me confidence. A god on Olympus moved my figurine to a square on the game board clear across the way. A grand destiny.. it brought a smile. In truth it was probably nothing.

We set out on ground sprinkled with dew. The path gradually became overgrown. I saw opportunities for photos but Malu exuded determination and I was content to let him lead. When an hour passed it was he who broke the silence.

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[Website note: A list of favorites is linked under my pic at right.]