the Total Immersion

   of John Muir

John Muir, mountaineer, visionary, naturalist; probably not on the reading list of most; especially those mired in the writing world of the self-absorbed “writer”…

In all actuality, the ol’ bark munching adventurer seemed to be, himself, rather self-absorbed; not in the least eschewing ample usage of the “I, me, mine” throughout his works, that today, would send an alert editor (or discerning reader) scurrying for the nearest talus pile. Keeping in mind, his writings were indicative of the writing style of the mid-1800’s to early-1900’s. After all, his works were of the daily and specific theme journal/memoir style—rather difficult under any circumstance to impose the removed narrator. But John Muir was nothing, if not totally immersed in this outdoor world and his goals: the revelation of natural wonders to an unawares populace ~ and ~ the protection of these beautiful astonishments from the very self-same unawares, yet, obviously uncaring populace.

Each of his volumes is presented in the same, flowingly descriptive prose genre. Providing not only endless examples of species and family, plant, animal and geological portrayals, but his interaction with these fascinating bio-realms.  

from: The Mountains of California   

“…Go where you may

you everywhere find the lawn

divinely beautiful

as if Nature had fingered and adjusted

every plant this very day.

The floating grass panieles are

scarcely felt in brushing through

their midst, so fine are they

and none…”

       --------------------------

“…the Ouzel never calls forth

a single touch of pity

not because he is strong to endure

beyond the reach of

every influence that makes

endurance necessary. …”

        ---------------------------

These excerpts, though edited for line breaks, give fair example of what everyday description can be molded into.

Tactile descriptions, being exacting in their presentation without being overt or saccharine; a presentation seldom achievable with esoteric, metaphysical, interactive works, narratives including (shudder) dialog. Reminds us: develop strong verbs, less adjectives and adverbs; brief yet interesting, accurate descriptions.

Now off, to sweep my stoop of this welcome spring snow.

Max tdc