The big problem with Superman as a
character is that he's basically perfect. The only way to create any
dramatic tension whatsoever is to incapacitate him in some way; hence
the proliferation of every possible kind of Kryptonite magically
showing up all the time on Earth, despite the general improbability
of any showing up here due to the size of the universe, let alone so
many chunks. I like a fair fight. Maybe that's why I'm such a sucker
for those places where the constant battle between humanity and
nature actually feels matched. Abandoned buildings are the
manifestation of nature coming up from behind. Bridges and tunnels
those places where we've conquered nature but only just barely. One
massive storm and nature could still win this one. So after a few
days in the ruins of former industrial centers, I needed a little
nature. This is Mario and a bridge (not pictured: Birdo.)
About 20 minutes south of Flint, maybe
an hour east of Jackson, I came across a state park. Trees. Lakes.
Hiking. This would probably be my last chance to experience nature
until the spring (or at least until I tour the South again...). This
is Mario taking only pictures, leaving only footprints, and the
discarded turtle shells of a million Koopas (truly, Mario is
history's greatest monster.)
It was overcast as all hell, and a
little chilly (still no jacket), but the 2 hour hike around the lake
did my soul (and probably lungs) good. I sat for a minute on the edge
of the lake reading William Gibson; maybe the least pastoral possible
reading choice, but whatever; books don't just grow on trees. The
paper does. But. Then industry happens. Anyway. By the time I got to
Bird Alley, it was dark. Anthony and I sat around watching terrible
80's movies on VHS while we waited for the other acts to show up.
Foragers for the discarded remains of our own culture. Are we
America's termites or it's vultures? This is Mario and the last
display of breathtaking natural beauty for a little while.
This is a song I wrote one time. You
should download it and share with your friends.
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