Friday, January 22, 2010

PARADISE LOST

PARADISE IS LOST! That's right, they closed it (this marvelous free campground) to build something new. My companions murmer in despair saying our world of free camping is disappearing. But suddenly images from another PARADISE LOST, John Milton's classic poem, flash in my brain and I take heart. In one of the most dramatic scenes and heroic speeches in all of literature, the archangel Satan stands on a knoll and addresses his fallen legions. Here, in essence is what he said: RISE UP AND RECLAIM YOUR DIGNITY! We have wonderful work to do and a whole world to do it in. We shall amuse ourselves wrecking God's creation, seducing his people, subverting his plans. We shall make a glorious game of our situation; wage fierce and fascinating war againt the ultimate enemy--- God.
Thus inspired, I climbed atop my truck and addressed my dispirited companions: "SUCK IT UP MY FRIENDS----SHOW SOME COURAGE! Yes we are cast from paradise, but for us it shall be a fall forward, mobilizing us to search out ever more wonderful places to camp----awakening our battle instincts for we are at war with waste of life. Billions of our fellow humans labor in needless drudgery, possessed by their possessions. We are the pathfinders to new values, savoring time rather than merely filling it. We are houseless not homeless. We prove with our lives the possibility and glory of freedom. We are a light to the nation. All who see us glimpse a flash of freedom and may thus be inspired to find it for themselves.

METAPHYSICAL ADDENDUM

I cannot pass this opportunity to chide the religious and superstitous among us who may be off-put by Satan's heroic speech. GET OVER IT---THERE IS NO SATAN---focus with me on the larger points made here----they are relevant to your life and mine.

SATAN EMBRACED HIS CIRCUMSTANCE----precisely what makes any of us heroic. Cast from eternity into time, he chose to glory in it. All of us enter time from (eternity?) and our challenge, like his, is to revel in the flux.

SATAN GENERATED HIS OWN MEANING----The first existentialist--humans have the damnest time doing this. Most believe meaning is revealed in holy books---it isn't! Rather, it is generated out of courage, desires and intention.

A curious epilogue to my day---Just before leaving paradise this bold (finch?) flew into my rig and took up this strange posture on my carpet--holding steady while I slowly got my camera. It seemed to be saying: Why is everybody leaving?

8 comments:

Sondra said...

What you have there is a friendly Cactus Wren!! I guess Jean Luc'Pecard said it best "...to boldly go where no one has gone before..."

Desert Diva said...

I take it that you're referring to the Wild Horse Pass Casino in Chandler, AZ. You have to admit that the casino didn't make a lot of money from the WIN's or similar minded folks - especially on the evening they offered the 2 for 1 buffet.

I hope that this inspires you (and me) to search out beautiful areas closer to the natural world and off the beaten path.

Again, I'm in transition and wondering if I can put in the two years to collect my retirement. It's quite possible I'll see you "on the road" - sooner than later.

As for "books," I believe that the Bible is the "inspired" word of God - written by men (Need I say more?). There are many paths to enlightenment...

Loved the photo of you on top of your truck "keeping it real."

Rob said...

That particular Paradise is lost, but as you say there will be others.

There is one thing I'd like to point out to you, I don't think you have forgotten, it's just been 'misplaced' in the moment.
Some of those "Billions of our fellow humans [who] labor in needless drudgery" are actually building things you need.
The roads you use, the computer you communicate with even the trailer you live in. Some of those billions are actually allowing you the physical security to live the nomadic life you and the others live today.

We truly live in the golden age, maybe the end of it, maybe not, only tomorrow will tell but for today we truly live in the golden age.

Enjoy your travels, enjoy your friends, enjoy your solitude when you want it, enjoy your lifestyle. But please don't stop sharing it with some of the still working billions who toil to keep the roads open, the shelves stocked, the power on in the hospitals and all that other minor stuff that make up our society.

Sandee said...

Now can you tell me where it WAS??

Randy said...

Thanks Dixie for identifying the bird---spunky little fellow. And to you, miss Diva--we miss you--hurry back.
THANKS ESPECIALLY to you Ron for your observations---certainly true and providing grist for my next blog. I think I will reproduce your comments as springboard to a short essay on work that does and does not need to be done---my justifications for war against drudgery.

Randy said...

Sandee---this paradise is located 1 mile west of Interstate 10 at exit 162 (Phoenix area)at the now closed up Wild Horse Casino. Most of the good stuff is still available for public use----only the camping has been lost. Nearby Western town of Rawhide is entryway to great hikes and the other goodies I've shown.

wisesongbird said...

Great blog and very happy to see Rob pull in a dynamic that does indeed need to be included.
There are angels and hope you meet them every day. Good ones.
Enough for the moment but this will be a topic for discussion - one day.

Homeless said...

I don't see anything listed that's (very)close to Phoenix, but maybe some of these sites will be helpful.