The Hunter

Abstract

exist. The qualities of Appalachian life which have received attention in this paper are not as unique as they once were. They do not stand in vivid contrast to the American mainstream the way they once did. Instead, they arcmore subtle, more common. They are harder to distinguish, because they have merged into the context of a larger American core culture. Dress, mannerisms, customs, and life pursuits are similar to those found anywhere in this country. Still, amidst the similarities, there are uniquenesses to be found here; still, there are experiential qualities which are peculiar to the mountains and the lifestyle they hold; still the people here possess qualities which ring of an individually Appalachian nature; still, there is a particular and unique aesthetic and it deserved notoriety and credibility. To conclude, let me clarify the scene outside my window that I described earlier. I see a large garage, an alley, three trash cans, telephone poles with sagging wires, a street, people walking, and automobile traffic. The scene is typical of practically any small town anywhere in America. It is not until I crane my neck a little to the left and down that I see its Appalachian context: The massive hills with their dark green shadows looming across a valley where two rivers meet and flow quickly away. Beyond the normality of the view there are particular Appalachian qualities. I have to strain to see, but if I try hard enough I cannot help being aware of their unique features. Their presence makes all the difference in the world to the nature of the setting. Appropriately, just now, this view summarizes my thoughts. THE HUNTER I walk a weed path in search of my voice. There are only old tracks & far off sounds to follow. A branch snaps! I turn to face the wind, back track, lift stones where crawdads hide, shake vines, smoke hollow trees, dig at the mouth of a den, but my voice is shy. It is a wild turkey, lurking in the distance. -Rudy Thomas 31 L-PUUtWt Drawing by Linda Wilson 32 ...