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Writer's pictureJann Alexander

Confined and Defined by Daily Rituals

How do daily rituals confine us? And define us?

Consider the intertwined rituals of lobstermen in their pursuit of lobsters, and the role of an unvarying daily ritual: the setting sun.

lobster traps in Maine

Well Contained in Maine by Jann Alexander ©2014


Tucked away: A lobsterman’s traps are stacked and ready for tomorrow’s catch, just steps from his home near the shoreline.

 

Off-Duty Maine Lobster Boat

Off-Duty in Maine by Jann Alexander ©2014


Anchored: His trusted lobster boat sits off-duty at dusk, all set to make the rounds again the next day.

 

Lobster Buoys by Jann Alexander ©2014

Castoffs by Jann Alexander ©2014


Settled in: Unmoored lobster buoys lean up against a tree, awaiting recovery by fellow fisherman who’ve lost them.

 

trapped live lobsters

Contained by Jann Alexander ©2014


Confined: The catch of the day, subdued with claws banded, is contained first by a trap, now by a crate, soon by a pot and then by a plate.

 

Setting Maine Sun by Jann Alexander ©2014

Setting Maine Sun by Jann Alexander ©2014


Absolute: The setting sun is not as easily contained as the traps and the boat and the buoys and the catch, but its routine is just as reliable. ♣

Do you feel confined by your daily rituals, or do they help define you?

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