Martin Duguay

Clear as Day

Under cover of darkness, the seven of us are led through the woods blindfolded and tethered to each other by a rope. Grunts and laughter erupt as we slip and trip on stones and exposed roots. It’s all part of an outdoor education course in the Laurentians, Quebec. My classmates and I are to be dropped off in turn to spend a few hours alone in the woods. I’m the last one left. The instructor warns me not to move from my spot. Black bears have been sighted in the vicinity. I can take off my blindfold after counting to a hundred.

A warm breeze. The scent of pine. Little creatures scurrying about. I lose count as I soak it all in but eventually remove my blindfold. I’ve been left in a small clearing surrounded by pine trees as far as the eye can see. I look up to the sky, and it’s lit up like it’s the first of July. Time stands still until stomping footsteps close in on me.

moonflower
I curl up in bed
with the dawn

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Note: Canada Day is celebrated on the first of July.

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About the Author

Martin Duguay teaches at the Department of English Language Education, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, South Korea. Whenever he can, he enjoys exploring the countryside on his bicycle.