paddywolfe

core memory unlocked

Added 2022-10-10 23:45:30 +0000 UTC

for years i had remembered a dream of riding an elephant when i was very little. i had mostly forgotten it all till i found this photograph and the whole thing came flooding back, but most astonishing was realizing that it was not a dream after all.

i called my brother who has an exceptional memory for events like these and he confirmed it. on the back of the elephant in white is our dad, in front was my brother, and scrunched in between is a tiny little blonde head poking out who is me at the age of three.

i remember the elephant’s eye, especially. they looked straight at me. when they walked it was with slow and peaceful and considerate steps never once rocking never changing speed. not at all like a horse.

knowing what i know now i also feel a lot of sadness for the elephant. i suppose we’re not supposed to anthropomorphize but i can’t help think that they must have felt imprisoned, defeated, maybe even a bit humiliated. it’s a memory i’ll never be able to repeat.

i couldn’t begin to guess the fate of the elephant. if they were young i suppose it is possible they could still be alive. i could check with the Hogle Zoo. they are a better more reputable place, AZA accredited and everything. someone there might even know the elephant.

i’ll update if i learn anything new.