Shel Graves' Sensorium

The sharp rocks of Loathing rest on a plateau above the denizens of Loathing. A thick fog surrounds it. Great birds with leathery wings deposit visitors upon the rock of Loathing. Some climb the sharp rocks. Some search. They boast of their accomplishments: “From those heights you see what others cannot.”  Others argue: “You seem nothing. You look down through fog." “That’s not how I was not brought up. We do not loathe nor seek nor climb," says Miss Emeline Traveler.  "Although, of course, I am curious about everything. But they say the fog prevents seeing anyway. Also, is it not poisonous?” she asks. “I heard that woman Emily...something climbed the rocks," flies the rumor. To which Miss Emeline replied, “How I hate to be called Emily!”

Royal blue and purple, ebony, and emerald waters surround the Cavern of Awe. This is the Sea of Amazement. Dive in and become a sea creature: merfolk, selkie, or sea monster. All the sleek bodies — swim here. Naiads swim in the upper river. When the clouds over Amazement gather and grow, dark columns of water lift treasures from the sea to the sky. Miss Emeline Traveler she has been to Amazement, but she can’t quite remember when. “Was I awestruck?” she asks. “Perhaps in the face of natural beauty: A herd of whales,” she says and then falls silent, remembering. There’s an unforgettable look on her face.

The cavern Awe, dark and fathomless, echoes on its way down to the sea. The sea whispers inside it, “Calm sea meat.” Light bounces from the gem-lined cavern and rainbow light beings dance. The bright-eyed goddesses flail their arms in ecstasy and remember. The Traveler joins them. In she goes.  Awe welcomes all, but few can find the place even with maps. The paths to Awe twist and turn. People get lost or give up. Some find it at the most unexpected moment. They return with gems of Awe. But most are too captivated, to think of stealing. They stay, glitter dance until it begins to rain, and then return.

Taste: sourness in the back of the throat Sound: lapping, panting; purring Smell: cherry, timothy grass, hay Sight: cherry blossoms; trillium Touch: straining, pulling, lunging, yanking; the weight of a cat in your lap, warm, sharp kneading Extra: When I reached deep inside for release I found only tears. Grateful for: poetry, Mary Shelley cat, video games, Sam

Unperturbed — a white sturdy castle with a moat beside a placid lake. The moat does not hide reptiles. Those live in the lake and sun themselves on the sandy banks. The dragons live deep in the mountains atop piles of jewels and avoid the castle. Many people live within the castle and weave fine tapestries. The beautiful threads come together one by one, color by color, to depict calm scenes. Visitors come to Unperturbed to learn the weaver’s craft. The Traveler comes infrequently to Unperturbed and soon leaves.  “The troubles and curiosities of this place are not my own,” she thinks. Instead, a desire to find someplace new overcomes her.

Unicorns run through the forests of Cavalier and graze in the green meadows, rolling beside white castles. Wildflowers fill the sunlit forests. Sun sparkles on the ponds and clear rivers flow steadily. The dragons breathe floral scents and magical clouds of well-being. Health favors all. There are no predators and abundant food. “Have no fear,” the denizens say.  They eat berries from thornless vines and nibble low hanging apples and pears. There are easy paths through the forests and around the hills and low gates around the castles. “All are welcome and may enter,” the princesses say. “Is it truly safe?” asks a trepidatious visitor. “Of course,” the denizens say. Sometimes visitors contract diseases caused by the dragon’s breath and have allergies and rashes from the wildflowers and fruits, but the denizens of cavalier never understand how anything in Cavalier could make anyone sick, for it has never happened to them. “I never felt that I belonged there,” said The ...

When tired, everyone comes to Weary and everyone to the capitol Apprehension. Apprehension remains in night. The night land city holds vampires and mausoleums, temples, and tombs. Rust-colored moss coats the 18-foot-tall rocks. Someone maintains the grasses in places and someone lets the downs wither. Mold finds its way into the tombs. Monsters with sloping shoulders and long rust-colored grassy hair skulk. Hares leap nervously. Pigeons startle. Quail run uncertainly into the night.