Narrative Essay

The memories of Straight Mountain

 I was about to take a journey that would forever separate me from my family and the country I love so much.  Saying good-bye was the most painful thing I had ever done in my life.  I knew for certain that I would never come back to live in the same place and time again, if I would, it's only going to be in my memories and dreams.  I tried to absorb all the memories into my heart.  I said good-bye to my family, the village I lived in, and my country.  It was 1978, twenty-five years ago.

I lived in a village on a mountain called Straight Mountain. This mountain was full of all kinds of tall trees.  Some were as tall as 300 feet or more.  Some took 3 to 4 people to hold hands around the trunks. This jungle mountain was very straight and long.  It took many hours to walk from one end to the other end.

 My favorite time to walk on (Roob Yag) Straight Mountain was during the month of March.  I was always fascinated by how beautiful this place was with colorful flowers as far as the eyes could see.  I would hear all kinds of birds singing and see them flying from one tree to another.  All kinds creatures ate from the same trees that bear fruits every year.  In this mountain of the tropical land of Laos, there are all kinds of birds, insects and other creatures that would make your heart lift up to the sky by the sounds they make.  Certain insects would sing during their special season or time of the day.  The insect sounds would let us know when it’s time to go home at the end of the day and or when it’s time to plant and harvest. 

At the bottom of the mountain was flowing rivers and ponds that were full of fishes, crabs and frogs.  Flat rocks created a beautiful water flow.  In certain areas you could find different shapes of holes, some deep and some shallow.  You could drink from the creeks and expect the water to be clean.  During the hot summers, animals would go down to these creeks to drink and take baths. 

 When I was about to leave my village at this mountain, I felt as thought my spirit was being tormented.  This mountain village was a place I love, where I grew up.  I felt as though my spirit was separating from my body.  I was like a child who’s been taken from his mother by force.  I knew nothing of the land I was about to enter into or the kind of life that I would have. 

Today, when I think back to that very special place, I can almost feel as if I was there and that the trees and animals are alive again.  I feel so close to the nature that is now only memories.  No other place in this world can give me as much peace as those many long walks I had taken many years ago on Straight Mountain.   

When I went back to the country of Laos, I expected to see the beautiful mountains I had left behind.  To my sadness, I saw land that was bared of trees, insects, and birds.  Most of the forests had been destroyed.  Fire was set on these beautiful mountains that were once so rich and full of fruit and every kind of creatures.  All the creatures that I love were gone.  Many species of birds and insects were extinct because they were killed for food or destroy by fires.  Many of the trees that bear some of my favorite tasty fruits had been cut down.  Many tall trees had been chopped down to make space for farming and build houses for people. 

After seeing this jungle that was my birthplace, ruined and destroyed, it saddens my heart because we haven’t learned to live in harmony with nature.  Only a few people have experienced the joy and peace that Straight Mountain have offered me.  Though that special place is gone, it will forever remain in my heart and memories.