14 Comments
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Martin Garcia's avatar

The entire time you spoke of 'through the window' I thought of 'through the screen'. And then to cement the fact that once the scene became sexual parents became awkward. America has a taboo with sex but is just fine to show pieces of intense violence.

Then the walking of the looser, it's awkward because they, the people, simply cannot run it over.

This was a great scene to get into.

Hope all is well Josh! loved your stream with Ian.

Josh Datko's avatar

Hey Martin. Yeah, you are spot on, I also find this a bit backwards of taboo. Thanks for stopping by with your thoughtful comments as always!

James Hart's avatar

What a stark contrast. As vivid and confusing as such a scene might be, what I'm struck by is that the bull elk's ritual is as real as it gets. The cars, glass windows, heated seats and CarPlay—THAT'S the abstraction. I really appreciate how you showed one through the perspective of the other, too; a good reminder.

Josh Datko's avatar

Yeah, it’s so funny, I love the awkwardness of it. Despite our best efforts to make clean, shiny things we still exist in the raw, unexposed, natural world.

Justin Patrick Moore's avatar

So vivid and true to life.

Josh Datko's avatar

Thanks Justin, appreciate you stopping in. On a bit of practical advice, don’t visit Rocky Mountain National Park during rutting season — you’ll feel like you are in stuck in your car like Jurassic Park :)

Justin Patrick Moore's avatar

I was right there in that poem!

Daniel V. Gaglio's avatar

Amazing poem

Josh Datko's avatar

Thanks Daniel. I appreciate you always showing up!

Bodhi's avatar

Wow.

Josh Datko's avatar

Thanks Bodhi. You know, I’ve been reading through your book and I’m slowly starting a meditation practice. I’m really new to it, but I wrote this after (trying) to sit for a while.

So I can tell there is a kind of change in focus when I can slow down and focus. Mainly I gain an appreciation that sitting still is quite hard to do.

Bodhi's avatar

That’s awesome. The focus really comes through. Little by little we make our way!

I also received your package today. Hot pink and glitter—so cool. Thank you.

Josh Datko's avatar

I went with stand out colors 🤣