Story

MOAI MAN

Nancy's Notes 🖊️🎶
© Nancy Richy

He was covered with dirt, leaves, broken branches and assorted detritus of a dozen or more years’ worth of storms and the forces of nature … dismissed, ignored, abandoned and forgotten … never given a scant thought until I came upon him, and even in his forlorn and dejected state, cast off and tossed aside, he was still majestic and I knew I had to give him breath, new life, a home, a place of honor.

After pulling him from the webs of thorny bushes and strangling ivy, I wrapped him in a blanket, secured him inside my car and drove home where I positioned him on a table in my potting shed and gave him a thorough wipe-down; he was in remarkably good condition for having spent all that time in the elements … after all, he is not made of stone or plaster or concrete but of wood and still there was no rot, no boring holes from worms or bugs, no tiny gnawing marks from rodents as if he had commanded them all to stand back, to keep their distance.

A gentle sanding was all that was needed to remove any loose and chipping paint; there was hardly any, a sign that this proud fellow refused to allow years of snow, rain, wind and unrelenting sun to wear him down.

I primed my pump sprayer and, with a slight nod of deference to this royal figure, I began applying a fresh coat of paint as black as pitch … new garments meant for a prince; in constant, sweeping motions I covered him from head to toe until he was gleaming in a slick veneer of ebony, a raven cloak.

When the paint was dry, I raised him up in my arms and carried him out to a spot specifically chosen for him, a place where he will be seen by all, where he will proudly reign.

He is my Moai Man, carved by the Rapa Nui; his name is Jude and his bearing is regal. 🗿

NAR © 2023

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Weekly Prompts Colour Challenge – Just Black!

43 thoughts on “MOAI MAN”

    1. Excellent question, D!
      I like to think we found each other.
      It may seem silly but I’ve become quite attached to Jude.
      He is definitely unique in my neck of the woods!
      Thanks for stopping by and leaving such nice comments.

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    1. Many thanks, Denise!
      It took us a while to find that spot but as soon as I sat Jude on the ground, I knew … this was the perfect place. He looks like he’s been there forever. A few people walking by have stopped to check him out. I’m so happy Jude’s here with us instead of being tossed out and forgotten. I know he’s happy, too.
      Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

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  6. Jude… apotropaic to those who need to be kept at distance… guardian to those who understand him.
    Apart from the “coincidences” that led him to you, cara, I love the way you inked your feelings and touch of ressurection with him.
    Your ink oozes love for what you did… and how you did it.
    Jude is beyond beautiful… Jude is meant to.
    And if he could ask Joe to voice a question, that would be : is it safe to go home?
    The answer came from your hands and heart.

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    1. Ah, my dear friend, you know me so well and how much I love Joe. I am very fortunate to have been in his presence many times.
      This is such a great song, perfect for Jude’s homecoming. I appreciate your gracious comments; I appreciate you. ❤︎ 😎

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    1. Thanks, Frank.
      The statue had to be black; no other color would do.
      The Easter Island statues are a lighter color. He would have blended into the scenery if I painted him grey or beige.
      He was out in the elements for at least 12 years, buried under leaves, ivy and branches. I guess they helped protect him from the weather … unless there’s a higher power at work here. 🗿

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    1. Ah, now that’s an intriguing question, Allen!
      I’m surprised no one asked me.
      Let’s just say he ‘mysteriously’ appeared one night
      at the home of a family member who, sadly, has passed on.
      That in itself is a story right there!
      He was unceremoniously abandoned and forgotten
      until I literally tripped over him.
      It was a matter of being in the right place at the right time.

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