The Jungle

Memoir 1: Place, 2006

The beginning is sometimes the most gripping. Depends on which monster you choose to go to first. Whether atop the beast or dangling in its grip, sitting inside its mouth, imprisoned by razor sharp teeth and secured by its buckles, latches, locks, and straps the adrenaline begins to stir.

 

Feelings are uncontrollable. The hands and feet being to feel numb, and sweaty palms grip the support. A thin line of salty sweat forms on the crest of the brow, as the heart rate begins to quicken, and breathing becomes slow and noticeably deeper. A few shivers run along the spine, and a tingling of anticipation creeps along the bones and penetrates every nerve creating a sensation of excited fear.

 

As the beast prepares for ascension the nervous thrill increases, sometimes it seems the trip starts far before the creature even begins to move. Senses abandon reason, as the eyes dart from side to side and the body cringes in eager anxiety for the slightest hint of movement.

 

A lurch, the steady climb ignites the adrenaline into a feverish rush. The ascension begins. The beast moves upward, the sky in view. Tense muscles seem to be able to pick up the slight change in altitude as onward it moves. You sway with the slightest discourse of alteration. The eyes are set ahead as they search for the edge of the cliff, the beast moves fueling its every step with the fear in your head.

 

Suddenly the edge comes upon you as though out of nowhere. You press against the back of the throat wishing for an exit to appear. Then, the view changes; a steep drop comes up beneath the beast, and it falls, collapsing into the plunge. Screams surround, drowned by the sudden up burst of wind. Throwing your arms in the air as you've done so many times increasing the twist in the pit of your stomach.

 

Twisting, turning, rolling, circling, ascend, descend, the beast roars as it continues on its track chasing you down. Images blur as they fly past you in a teary eyes haze. As soon as it begins its over, the complete shock of the intensity overwhelms the senses as the beast slows to a sudden stop. The platform nears, the mind, totally beset by the intensity of the ride, tries to process basic functions. When the beast unleashes you from its custody, you climb from its grip and stand, wobbly, on the platform. You search for the exit and stagger towards it.

 

You walk down the open stairway away from the massive beast; you hear its roar, as more victims are strapped into the toothy cart. You smile as you exit the cage, entering the jungle of steel pylons and metal bracings. Beasts of different sizes, colors, and intensities roar before you, screams increase and fade as the race around the maze. The eyes dart from side to side searching for the next challenge.