avatarDaniel A. Teo

Summary

The website content is a personal essay that reflects on the ferocity and beauty of the Nile River, intertwined with the author's fascination with taxidermy, particularly focusing on the Goliath African Tiger Fish.

Abstract

The essay titled "The Scaffolded Nile" is a poetic reflection on the Nile River's raw power and the author's intimate relationship with it. The Nile is personified as a force with sinister undertones, yet it captivates the author with its cleansing aggression. The narrative shifts to the author's passion for taxidermy, highlighting the Goliath African Tiger Fish as an example of the river's formidable inhabitants. The author shares a personal connection to taxidermy and woodworking, emphasizing the skill and time invested in these crafts. A taxidermied specimen of the Tiger Fish, prepared by a friend, is showcased to illustrate the art of preserving nature's monsters for appreciation without harm. The essay concludes with an invitation for readers to engage with the author regarding taxidermy and freshwater predators.

Opinions

  • The author expresses a profound admiration for the Nile River, describing it as both menacing and purifying.
  • There is a deep appreciation for the art of taxidermy, viewing it as a means to continue marveling at nature's creations postmortem.
  • The author has a special affinity for the Goliath African Tiger Fish, considering it a "demon from hell" and respecting its place in the ecosystem.
  • The essay conveys a sense of irony in the purity of water, which can harbor creatures as fierce as the Tiger Fish.
  • The author identifies as an expert in taxidermy and freshwater predators, offering knowledge and advice to interested readers.
  • There is an emphasis on the ethical aspect of taxidermy, as the animals featured died of natural causes and were not hunted for their remains.
  • The author values the craftsmanship in both taxidermy and woodworking, drawing parallels between the two due to their requirement of precision and dedication.

The Scaffolded Nile

A Poem

River Nile — Wikipedia

I leave my feet buried in the water and let the scaffolding of the current do its job Only see the reflections of the sun through the foam the waves thunder my bone and rhythms erratically the throbs

Suddenly I feel the laceration of the weed and scales flowing through with much vigor and strength almost as if trying to rip open the submerged stretch of skin I didn't care; the rustling trees were my focal length

The Nile, the meanest of rivers, the demons of Gaia, each cascade producing the sinister and foreboding shrieks I can feel its lips cracking into a smile caressing the eye the inhabitant monsters lurk the elevation; attract peaks

I loved this, I loved every part of how the wave smashes into the scaffold threatening the azureness with its midnight lust, my knees at their plea ironical purity of water can be so devilish they grow horns I can hear the wicked laughs and guffaws, but somehow they don't kill me.

Narration: Nile River is no doubt my favorite river because of its strong currents that refresh the soul and wipes it clean with its aggression and vigor. Known as the longest river in Africa, it is home to even sinister biodiversity.

The following is a taxidermied skull of the Goliath African Tiger Fish, a ferocious “demon from hell” that is well known by native Africans for taking chunks out of crocodiles and humans. I have a similar subspecies at home, the Vittaus African Tiger Fish, less ferocious but still deadly since this particular species hunts in packs. The fact that these fish exist in freshwater bodies haunts me eternally.

I am aware that this publication stems from the creation of wood, but since I am a complete noobie at everything related to wood, I shall introduce to yall the fascinating world of taxidermy! I truly believe that taxidermy and wood manufacturing is established from similar methodologies because they both involve immense precision, skill, and ALOT ALOT of time! This taxidermy work which took months to complete is done by a talented friend of mine, check it out here! His Instagram handles are also provided in the link if you are curious to see more of his works. He works for museums that feature his taxidermy; talk about a cool job !!!

Featuring the Goliath African Tiger Fish.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CKMIY5HJ4t2/?igshid=hrcwozvxff6w

And you think piranhas are scary? !

I love taxidermy with all my heart because it allows these monsters to be further awed even after death. These beasts died by natural means and were NOT killed for the purpose of taxidermy. Taxidermy allows us to see these monsters first hand, with a magnified view of its features like the teeth, the scales, and the jaws, without being chomped on of course.

Thank you for reading, if you have any questions about taxidermy or are interested in keeping freshwater predators, feel free to contact me! ( I would consider myself an expert too haha)

Daniel A. Teo 2021

Poetry
Fish
Nile
Prose
Poetry On Medium
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