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This Poem was Submitted By: Mell W. Morris On Date: 2005-01-08 18:40:00 . . . Click Here To Mail this Poem to a Friend!

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Aleutian Getaway

There are occasions in my life when I've wished I were Eskimo. The role would require fortitude, stamina, and at times, the ability to just sit and chew the fat. I have the desires during the heat of our long summers, sometimes when I'm bored with all meals I prepare, and that's when I mentally write Eskimo recipes. Bear cordon bleu, whale kiev, and blubberburger helper. I have the whelming desire to become Eskimo while reading Sherman Alexie books, no matter that he lives south of Eskimo lands, a native American who lives and writes in Washington. I envision my arrival on the island in my new orange faux-fur- lined parka. It makes a statement but I'm unsure what it says. My Eskimo friends have killed a moose(?), whale (?), bear (?) to welcome me and as I lick elk grease from my fingers, the chief rises and motions me forward and as I stand there, he takes my hand and puts it in the paw of another Eskimo man of stature. I must appear flummoxed as an Eskimo woman behind me says in a low voice that it is their custom to honor high-ranking male visitors by allowing him to choose his bed partner for the night. "Moi?" I ask and she nods assent. The ultimate gift from an Eskimo is to sate the guest's appetite and keep him warm all night. I was preparing my escape plans when the woman again whispers, the best of all, she says, is the woman gifted to warm the guest is forgiven from all work and housewife chores for the next month. I smile, "Pass the elk liver, please," I say. "I've got some thinking to do."

This Poem was Critiqued By: Mark D. Kilburn On Date: 2005-02-28 12:16:05
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 9.66667
Hi Mell, a great one for sure and a fun read but I would have ranked the opal planters ahead of it. Very worthy non the less. smile mk

This Poem was Critiqued By: Erzahl Leo M. Espino On Date: 2005-02-06 18:27:21
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 10.00000
Hi Mell, This is one of the rare subjects and rare read that I find in TPL…very informative yet with humor. This is what I like about your work, you share a bit of your life then compliment it with your lyrical skills and here, with life lessons and playfulness. Yes, life is full of choices and regrets and wishful thinking and “ifs”. Yet at the end, it somehow let us realize the beauty of “now” and the blessings of “today”. And the consequences that oftentimes we didn’t foresee…yet at the end of the today, we can say to ourselves “life is good”. “I smile, "Pass the elk liver, please," I say. "I've got some thinking to do." --- Yes, sometimes it only take us a little “pause” and “break” from our “busy time” to contemplate and reflect the “real” beauty” of our surroundings and of our life. Again, thank you for this rare read! Thanks for the contemplation! Thanks for the humor! Entertaining and perfection! As always, Erzahl :)

This Poem was Critiqued By: Thomas Edward Wright On Date: 2005-02-05 20:35:26
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 1.00000
We call it Blah-te. Pass the seal.

This Poem was Critiqued By: Kelly Denise LaBeff On Date: 2005-02-03 02:00:22
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 9.97500
Your line, having the "Ability to just sit and chew the fat" reminds me of a wooden plaque I have above my living room door that reads, "Sit Long, Talk Much" and it is meant, too! I guess the same is applicable if one chooses to become or already are an Eskimo! That's kinda neat! Yes,long summers, hot ones, would make one have the desires to go to Alaska, wouldn't it? I can just see you arriving in a new orange faux-fur-lined parka. But I can see even more so the surprise on your face when greeted and told you can choose a bed partner for the night because it's an Eskimo's ultimate gift to sate their guest's appetite and keep him warm all night. One would want to turn such a favor down except knowing the pleasure in return it would offer that woman affording said guest such a gift for they'll be forgiven from all work and housewife chores for the next month. With that pressed against your ear, you have to, it's your obligation to then you say. "I've got some thinking to do." otherwise would be rude! BUT, what I want to know, did you just make this up or is it a real Eskimo custom? I don't know which I'd do! I'd glad you didn't reveal your choice either because it made the suspense of your verse better than it already was. I loved this verse for this story tale telling effect! Fiction or not, you make it make real! Great imagery, good strength of language, and a rhythm that flows with great precision,,,,who could ask for more,,other than an Eskimo woman wanting a FREE month! HA.....thanks for sharing your wit and humor with me this day, Kelly

This Poem was Critiqued By: Joanne Duval Morgan On Date: 2005-01-25 04:41:13
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 10.00000
Oh Boy, quite an imagination here, are doubts assailingyou? To dream of being an Eskimo woman ready to play a subserviant role, Nah, not you my friend. There is lots of room for thought in this poem though, but realistally we know that we can't take a step back into servitude, with the concensus of thought, see subservient roles that still prevail in other countries, why would we even consider going back a step. On the other hand the imagination to play other roles is a human quirk, for how many think the grass is greener on the other side of the fence. What makes this poem humorous is the closing stanza, the promise to keep a high ranking Eskimo partner warm, and to please (doesn't that still prevail here, in the now, don't we try to please?) anyway no promise of no work for a month, and to have to think about it, there should be spontanity I think, no sir, I value myself too highly to become part of a bartering gig. Go ahead and think what your option will be, so tired of dealing with life issues it presents a possibility I guess, and in many ways it still prevails with no only cultures but also with individuals. To me though getting to sit around and chew the fat, well its no worth it. By as a fairy tale the poem is excellent, but the level I play on is trying to being realistic and live, and sway with expectations. After being married twice this propisation isn't attractive in the least though, High ranking eskimo or not. Love the injecting of coming up with temping dishes made out of eskimo fare though, does sounds very tasty to me, but to an eskimo I guess it would be great. That's what makes this world go round, the diversity of all the people, interesting to speculate on....but not for me. Great job Mell, enjoyable fairy tales are always welcome (but is it a fairy tale or a reality of what the world consists of? Love and Best wishes, More, more, more entertaining thought provoking poetry. Jo (Like the title a lot, eye catching, and your linguistics are wonderful as usual)

This Poem was Critiqued By: arnie s WACHMAN On Date: 2005-01-20 19:05:27
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 9.76923
Very nice. Very humerous. Having had many patients who were of Inuit (Eskimo is passe) I once asked them of this custom of sleeping. They all laughed and assured me it was no longer a custom which was used then only to keep warm. Oh sure maybe a little hankie panky took place but then how could much happen when they greeted each other by rubbing noses (and I can assure you that took place). Why the question marks after the names of the animals? Most likely it wasn't moose but elk. I don't believe moose ventured too far into or past the tundra. And what about the fish they speared? Bear cordon bleu...I love it...the statement I mean . I've had bear and to me it was awful...and STINK! Whoo boy! As for the word "chief" I would change that to elder. I don't believe they had any such titular title. Thanks for posting this most humorous piece.

This Poem was Critiqued By: Claire H. Currier On Date: 2005-01-18 04:47:39
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 10.00000
Just want you to know I simply loved reading and watching this poem come to life Mell.........never having been on the Aleutian Island personally I do know my husband was stationed there for a year back in the l960's .......he and 12 other men lived totally alone, isolated from the rest of the world, guarding the coastline.......he served his country well .......and his stories of adventure came home in his letters...... he spoke of haunted walks where others before him still stood watch protecting those that now patrolled the depth of such a place...... I am going to forwrad this poem to him since he is now an ex husband but still being close to each other I know he will certainly enjoy the read, the feelings you present with the form set forth and the images of the people you speak of.........though he did not see another group of people during that time spent on the Aleutian Isnald where he and his 'brother's'were I am sure others did cover the area..........he often spoke of boats, fishing parties, but I must say never of women........thanks for posting, be safe, God Bless and I pray you are feeling well these days.......Claire

This Poem was Critiqued By: Tony P Spicuglia On Date: 2005-01-13 13:02:30
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 9.93333
Mell, this is an “off site” whimsical, well traveled piece. Don’t know if I ever wanted to be an Eskimo before, but I have always wanted to travel and live in Alaska. As a matter of fact I tried two or three times in the Navy to get stationed at Adak, Alaska in the Aleutians. They wouldn’t let me, too many dependents, anyway.. .here we go… an adventure!! Aleutian Getaway There are occasions in my life when I've wished I were Eskimo. The role would require fortitude, stamina, and at times, the ability to just sit and chew the fat. – I like the tongue in cheek here, “if you will”, of chew the fat, gossip, and fat in cheek, or just the entire cheekiness of the thought. I have the desires during the heat of our long summers, sometimes when I'm bored with all meals I prepare, and that's when I mentally write Eskimo recipes. Bear cordon bleu, whale kiev, and blubberburger helper. – What a deliciously written menu!! Although they are more likely to have walrus kiev, I’ll take the whale any time. (No hump back, endangered), and of course, the cost of importing swiss cheese would be prohimibitive, so maybe we can make some “mock swiss” out of goat milk. I have the whelming desire to become Eskimo while reading Sherman Alexie (thanks for the lead, now on my read list, which is longer that the whale they will have to catch to make kiev), I envision my arrival on the island in my new orange faux-fur- lined parka. It makes a statement but I'm unsure what it says. – Maybe a continental thing, but livin’ wid’ ‘dem you ain’t gonna where faux for much longer!! My Eskimo friends have killed a moose(?), whale (?), bear (?) to welcome me and as I lick elk grease from my fingers, the chief rises and motions me forward and as I stand there, - you are heading down a sensuous road that frankly, I find, exhilarating. I have never been easy, but I am always “interested” in the “moors” of more. he takes my hand and puts it in the paw of another Eskimo man of stature. I must appear flummoxed as an – flummoxed, great word, great word.. excellent!! Eskimo woman behind me says in a low voice that it is their custom to honor high-ranking male visitors by allowing him to choose his bed partner for the night. – Now, I have got to join the Eskimos and become a high place male. There seems a natural vent to the long Eskimo nights. "Moi?" I ask and she nods assent. – Oh, I do like the coy, maybe I believe it, or maybe not, but I do like it. Makes for an “ingenuo” feel. I can see the eyes now. The ultimate gift from an Eskimo is to sate the guest's appetite and keep him warm all night. I was preparing my escape plans when the woman again whispers, the best of all, she says, is the woman gifted to warm the guest is forgiven from all work and housewife chores for the next month. I smile, "Pass the elk liver, please," I say. "I've got some thinking to do." – I like the thought, but since I do most the cooking cleaning, money earning, here in America, there must be some other aphrodisiac to fit the bill. But, Mell, I do like the though of “thinking to do”. It makes the play date, self fulfilling. Such a fun piece Mell. Well written, and the colorful, underlying sensuality, makes me smile! Had fun, Thanks!!

This Poem was Critiqued By: Turner Lee Williams On Date: 2005-01-12 13:04:20
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 9.80000
Mell--With this offering you've shown (IMO) a witty, comical, story telling ability that we don't experienced enough of (at least on a large scale). Personally, this post recalls for me some six third world countries where I spent remote and isolated tours: the cultures and cusines I was exposed to would repulse most people from the Western Hemisphere. However, your creative rendering of this vacation is quite imaginative while presenting the most humorous and vivid imagery I've read from you to date. This is one of those great mini stories that deserve wider disemination. Thanks for allowing us at TPL to be among the first to laugh at this. TLW

This Poem was Critiqued By: Paul R Lindenmeyer On Date: 2005-01-12 00:17:42
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 9.40000
Mello, this is a riot,LOL,LOL a lot!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! From the title, to "I've got some thinking to do." this piece had me nuts. Whatever your eating, or drinking, or whatever, I want some...This is the best of the "hooters" I've seen on TPL, and it has forever changed my understanding of and appreciation for the Eskimo culture. This is a screamer..... Peace, Paul {still laughing..........................................................................................................

This Poem was Critiqued By: Joanne M Uppendahl On Date: 2005-01-10 12:26:06
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 10.00000
Mell-i-fluence: I needed morning with its energy and awakening to respond to this wonderful, fanciful poem. There is longing -- perhaps loneliness, and also self-mocking humor, which is adds to the poem's enjoyable qualities for me. There are occasions in my life when I've wished I were Eskimo. The role would require fortitude, stamina, and at times, the ability to just sit and chew the fat. It seems exotic for a Texan to want to be an Eskimo, and picturing you sitting and 'just chewing the fat' gives me a comical image. Coincidentally I'm planning a trip to Alaska, mostly to view wildlife. The appeal of life as you write in the above lines is enormous. Having the focus of surviving in harsh environs seems preferable to ease and ennui. (At least for this reader!) I have the desires during the heat of our long summers, sometimes when I'm bored with all meals I prepare, and that's when I mentally write Eskimo recipes. Hmmm. <smile> "Desires" and "heat" suggest a gently erotic preoccupation. Tiring of the boring meals she prepares, the speaker begins to fancifully create her own Eskimo recipes: "Bear cordon bleu, whale kiev, and blubberburger helper." Very funny - especially the latter. It suggests 'blubbering' for crying-out-loud, poking fun at oneself. Reading it aloud is hilarious. The "cordon bleu" also suggests "blues" which ties in with 'blubbering' and may also suggest a preoccupation with weight, given the proximity to "whale." "I have the whelming desire to become Eskimo while reading Sherman Alexie books, no matter that he lives south of Eskimo lands, a native American who lives and writes in Washington." Of course this prompt got my attention - I've read a little of Alexie and I think he lives on the eastern side of my native state. If I recall, he is quite a 'maverick' and authored the story which the film "Smoke Signals" was based on. It is one of my all-time favorite films. Perhaps your poem is a 'smoke signal' of its own. It will be interesting to read the responses of readers - and I think this poem deserves to 'get out more' and be read and responded to by many, many readers. I envision my arrival on the island in my new orange faux-fur- (Laughing! Orange, as in 'life-vest'?) lined parka. It makes a statement but I'm unsure what it says. My Eskimo friends have killed a (I think it says, "HELP!") moose(?), whale (?), bear (?) to welcome me and as I lick elk grease from my fingers, the chief rises and motions me forward and as I stand there, he takes my hand and puts it in the "paw" of another --This guy must be as big as a bear! Eskimo man of stature. I must appear flummoxed as an Eskimo woman behind me says in a low voice that it is their custom to honor high-ranking male visitors by allowing him to choose his bed partner for the night. Naughty but nice. The speaker can't very well flaunt local customs and still accept hospitality. It is one of those social duties one would be best advised to simply accept and enjoy. "Moi?" I ask and she nods assent. The ultimate gift from an Eskimo is to sate the guest's appetite and keep him warm all night. I was preparing my escape plans when the woman again whispers, the best of all, she says, is the woman gifted to warm the guest is forgiven from all work and housewife chores for the next month. I smile, "Pass the elk liver, please," I say. "I've got some thinking to do." Forgive me for copying & pasting! This is worthy of review and relishing. I dunno about the elk liver, though. Almost anything would seem preferable. Very entertaining, with its 'innocence' and irony. This is a departure from your other poems of memory -- and a highly delectable treat. If I were younger, I could join you in speculation, but alas, I am of the 'grandmotherly' age that would be assigned the chore of chewing on leather to make the footwear softer. I wouldn't mind at all living in the Alaskan wilderness (alone) with plenty of firewood, someone to come along every so often and replenish that and comestibles. I would have a kerosene lamp for writing and reading, and a faithful canine companion, along with a stock of batteries for my CD player, some medicinal ETOH, a first aid kit, and a generator and satellite disk for my laptop. I could enjoy this for a month or so before I had to get back to civilization to publish the resulting poetry. See -- you got me started! I wonder what other fantasies you've instigated by this playful, plucky poem? I can't wait to read what others have written! OK -- here's my offering: A month's supply of pemican to reduce the elk liver consumption, a good supply of colorful beads in all sizes, and a hefty journal and fountain pen (with ink pots) to record your adventure. Brava! Giddy with laughter, your LL Em

This Poem was Critiqued By: Dellena Rovito On Date: 2005-01-09 19:30:46
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 10.00000
Ossiyo Mell, I'm 1/4 cherokee. Eskimoes are also native americans. It is true as you say. I know as fact...It always raised my eyebrow... Elk liver please! my online research; There are many nationalities/The custom has been practised among tribal, nomadic and decentralised societies and has been practised from Yemen through Central and North Arabia, North Africa and Australia and from Egypt to Afghanistan. The origin of the custom seems to be rooted in ancient times, surviving into and often tolerated by the Islamic era. Commonly, the man concerned is an outsider and not a tribesman. Sexual hospitality like other cults of sacred sexuality can be defined as alternative sexuality that serves its purpose. It may have complemented the coarse conditions of ancient communities falling or rising with continuity. orange faux-fur-lined parka. It makes a statement but I'm unsure what it says. according to the Fur Commission, mink and fox farming were pioneered in North America almost a century ago, and today more than 40 million mink and fox pelts are produced on thousands of farms in the United States and many other countries each year.Euthanization occurs on most farms through lethal injection, gassing or electrocution.Trapping, one of the tools wildlife managers use to achieve balanced habitats, also is a way fur for clothing is obtained.Both fur farms and trappers are regulated by state governments. Government agencies issue licenses to trappers and limit harvests. Many PETA members believe fur harvesting of any sort is cruel and that people who support fur farmers and trappers by wearing fur dislike animals. I think the total disregard for life is abhorrent/greed is the basis for most all our travesties! I think we should kill for food or clothing if necessary. 'But not for fad and fashion. Your poem was enjoyable, you are well rounded in your interest. Wadho,[be at peace] Dellena

This Poem was Critiqued By: marilyn terwilleger On Date: 2005-01-09 16:39:00
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 10.00000
Hi Mell, I love this side of you...such a amusing piece of writing and I was so dissapointed when it was over. I was hooked when I read...'just sit and chew the fat!' Which of course is what Eskimos do (only the women I think) The receipes in S2 are so funny I about fell off my chair...the most exquisite is 'blubberburger helper.' I can't even begin to tell you how wonderfully funny this is and such a treat. Somewhere somehow you must publish this...if you haven't already..it is deffinetly prize worthy.... ...'my Eskimo friends have killed a moose (?) whale (?) bear (?) to welcome me and I lick elk greese off my fingers. The tallow that comes from elk fat is very repugnant and I can just see you sitting cross-legged licking and trying to seem impressed with the flavor...don't want to upset your hosts! Then oh my God they want to present you to an Eskimo gentleman so you can pleasure him through the night...but wait...there is an up-side you can be forgiven from doing all work and housewife chores for the next month. What a dilemma. Actually elk liver is quite good so maybe you should go for it and plow your way to 'his' igloo! In case you can't tell I love this story...write more of them! On a more serious note...Thrusday I am having back surgery with spinal fusion. I have put this off for so many years thinking I could endure the back pain. However, I began to have sciatica last spring and it just continued to get worse with leg numbness and even greater pain. My sciatic nerve is pinched in between the 4th & 5th lumbar disc space where there use to be a disc. So if you have some spare time I would be grateful for a prayer or two. I am scared spitless about the whole thing as I know the recooperaton will be long due to my advanced years. I thought about asking for prayers on the forum but hardly anyone is posting there right now...guess they have to get use to the new format. Hopefully I will be able to use my computer (getting a new one) as soon as I can ambulate and manage the stairs. Hope you are feeling well again and that are your troubles are fading away. Also Tanner got another promotion on his job, the second one in 15 months...so proud of him. Blessings....Marilyn

This Poem was Critiqued By: Wanda S. Thibodeaux On Date: 2005-01-09 14:03:16
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 1.00000
Omigosh, elk liver! I'd have to do the cleaning! I've never wished I were an Eskimo, but I do love snow and sleds and those cool parkas you mention. After reading your recipes I am whelmed also, with the desire to be a vegetarian. "I must appear flummoxed" gave me a delightful giggle as I am sure you would have reacted just this way. This piece is fun, we don't have enough of those. This story makes me think of a trip I made to Virginia. This woman, who is educated, is a supervisor at the local post office, the soloist at church, and my absolute angel sister took me to her basement to show me what they had been canning - deer meat - hundreds of jars all neatly stacked and ready to go. She is also a deer hunter. I could never kill a deer but she bagged a ten-pointer and had one husband and three sons very annoyed. This is a great narrative charged with vivid visuals and a perfect ending. I can't find anything that needs change as if I thought I would. They serve alligator here but I don't order and Cajuns don't share wives with any guest, not mine anyway...ha! I might have some eskimo in me tho, I've been rubbing noses with my grandchildren a lot lately. Take care of yourself. Wildflowers and Onions, Wanda

This Poem was Critiqued By: Latorial D. Faison On Date: 2005-01-09 12:09:43
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 1.00000
Mell, this was very interesting to read. Oh, to be Eskimo (smile). As a lady, I don't think I could have written this poem. Actually, let me take that back. It would be an interesting write. I wonder if there's any birth control used by Eskimo (smile), any made up or traditional methods. Overall, this poem was quite interesting and it read very well, like a little story. Throughout, as I gather you have researched this, you teach me something about the ways of the Eskimo. I am not a fan of cold weather, so I'd probably write about being Bajan or something (smile), some place warm and nice. Your poem is a great exploration of how we are driven to think from day to day and how we might often grow tired and bored with the mundane of our own worlds, so much so that we crave another, just for a moment. I was wondering, at one point in the poem, why you were preparing your escape plan. Was it because you really did not like the way or life or the way they offered up their women to strangers? I guess you put the plan on the back burner when you found out that you'd actually might be doing a woman a favor by relieving her of housework and other duties. Just wondering. Thanks for sharing a great poem. This was something different and enlightening to read. Good job. Latorial www.latorialfaison.com

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