58. Moose

            I live in an area where there are plenty of moose. There is an extra large deer crossing sign south of here on US Highway 95 that is actually the place with the highest number of moose crossings in Idaho. The state highway department used to place a moose crossing sign there but it was stolen so often that they replaced it with a big deer crossing sign and a flashing light. If you hit a moose you will most likely die, it’s not just a matter of car damage.

            Moose are larger than horses for the most part. They have an extremely awkward appearance and usually wander alone. More often than not you’ll see the cows, but sometimes the bulls will wander around with their over sized racks looking comically fearsome. For whatever reason people fear them less than bear but that is human foolishness because they are far more dangerous and unpredictable than bear and they are also several times faster.

            I find moose to be awkwardly beautiful. Their legs are abnormally long allowing them to tread through deep snow or wade through lakes and rivers completely undisturbed by the water’s depths. They are an animal of the north and therefore they represent the isolation, desolation and fearsome beauty of those climes.

            I think the isolation of frozen wilderness, the awkwardness of a large amazing animal and the strange loneliness of a moose is a beautiful thing. These animals, in some strange way, remind me to get out of myself and to feel fine about being alone even when I’m surrounded by people. I certainly can’t claim to have their stature, nor do I feel like I stand out in any way as they do but like anyone I have those feelings of awkwardness and being alone. A moose reminds me of that beauty and strength in being awkward and I love that they are around me reminding me that it’s ok to be me. They are an elusive American icon of the north and I’m grateful for them.