4. Crossing a plume of water

Summary

The narrative explores the internal dialogue of a wanderer who grapples with the concept of settling down amidst the destruction of nature, while accompanied by his clone who challenges his beliefs and choices.

Abstract

The protagonist, a self-described wanderer, reflects on his solitude and the presence of his clone, which exists within him. He ponders the paradox of his desire to settle down despite his nomadic nature, as he observes the encroachment of civilization on the natural world. His clone, serving as an internal critic, questions the possibility of finding companionship given his perforated state and lifestyle. As they converse, the clone manifests before the protagonist, mirroring his appearance and challenging his hopes of finding someone to settle with. The narrative concludes with the protagonist recounting a recurring dream to his clone, hinting at a deeper longing for connection that predates his wandering days.

Opinions

The protagonist feels a profound sense of isolation, emphasizing his solitude through repetition.
There is a critique of human impact on nature, with the protagonist noting the construction of new buildings and the pollution of a once vibrant rivulet.
The protagonist's clone represents a part of himself that is skeptical and perhaps more realistic about the feasibility of a wanderer finding someone to settle down with.
The clone's emergence as a separate entity suggests a division within the protagonist's psyche, highlighting an internal conflict between his wandering nature and the desire for stability.
The protagonist holds onto hope, asserting that someone will want to settle with him despite his perforated being and wandering lifestyle.
The mention of a recurring dream indicates a past life or aspiration that contrasts with the protagonist's current existence as a wanderer.

LITERARY IMPULSE DAY 4 PROMPT: WANDERER

My clone is with me. And I wander. Alone. All by myself. Totally cut off from the world — same thing said in three phases, because I want to emphasize how alone I am.

My clone is with me. Sorry — it’s inside me. It breathes. It says- “You are a wanderer. So why are you not lost? Why are you still amongst people? In the mountains, where everyday new buildings are being constructed. New dams. New roads. New canteens. New hopes.”

Man destroys nature. Everyone wants to settle down. Even I do — a wanderer. And yet, “what does ‘Settling Down’ mean?” I ask. My clone, of course, because there is no one who can hear me.

He says, from deep within me, “you are already dead — you should know, if you are looking to settle down. And who will settle with a perforated being like you? Who will take the risk?”

“Someone will,” I say, as I cross a little rivulet — now shrunken, with plastic sheets spread, with bottles of beer, and of course, with civilization hovering over it — Me.

My clone doesn’t agree. So in response, he comes out. And now stands before me. My mirror image. His left is my right. He laughs. Ha ha. His laugh echoes through the fields and mountains, and a house that is being constructed, with a wall of bricks around, and a huge tanker, and people shuffling about, washing their hands and legs — the day’s end.

“No one wants to settle down with a wanderer. You need a wanderer. A perforated one, whose clone can talk with me. Very specific.”

“Of course,” I say, and then I start telling him about a recurring dream I used to have. Before I decided to become a wanderer.

Nachi Keta

Prompt used: Wandered by Literary Impulse (Shabd Aaweg) #napowrimoshabdaaweg