An Ode to Ed

It is not death or dying that is tragic, but rather to have existed without fully participating in life-that is the deepest personal tragedy.

~ Edward Abbey

Today is the 32nd anniversary of the passing of Edward Abbey. In my book, More Than a Rock, I mention the role that Abbey’s book Desert Solitaire played in my life—in no small part, the reason I am here today, having found a home (in every sense of the word) living in this beautiful desert.

A recent conversation with a friend while camping in the desert, reminded me specifically of the moment Abbey’s words entered my consciousness. As a conscripted soldier in another life, books helped me maintain my sanity, giving me a more worthwhile use for each passing moment than whatever duty I was assigned. This is how Desert Solitaire came into my life—by accident. I happened to have picked it from a stack of used books because it had the word “desert” in it. I have always loved deserts even when I did not live in one.

I didn’t know anything about the man who wrote the book. At that time I have never been to the United States, could not have found the state of Utah on a map, and the only place I knew named Moab was the original biblical Moab (ironically, not too far from where I was when I first opened the book).

That night, shortly after 2am, alone on a guard tower watching over an ammunition bunker, I opened the book. I read the first sentence and stopped. I set the book down to fully savor and assimilate the shock of the words: “This is the most beautiful place on earth.”

There was little in my life then I considered beautiful. During my time in uniform I often wondered if whatever life I was destined for was even worth enduring. About the closest thing I could feel then that resembled hope was the knowledge that I was still young, that my “service” would soon be over, and that if I survived it there was at least the chance that I, too, may someday find a place, and a life, I might consider beautiful.

So, thank you, Ed. And I agree: this is the most beautiful place on earth.

~ Please consider supporting my work using Patreon. ~

Patreon gives those who believe in supporting the arts a secure platform to give direct, ongoing support to their chosen creators and artists. You may toss as little as $2/month into the virtual tip jar, or as much as your budget and generosity will allow. You can do it for a month, or be a sustaining Patron for a longer period; it is entirely your choice. Regardless of the amount, your support allows me the freedom to continue to create. You are supporting my art and writing practice throughout the year, covering the times when it is impractical or impossible for me to get out to generate income through my personal appearances or workshops.

Any donation you choose to give is accepted with gratitude.