260. Poetry: Series: Couples 6. Ötzi, the Iceman and Erika Simon
6. Ötzi, the Iceman and Erika Simon, the German hiker, at their reunion in the Otzal Alps, September 19, 1991
Ötzi made the news when he was found buried in ice; it was thought he was a modern day hiker who had been buried under an avalanche. He was actually an ancient traveler. *****
©10/13/06 all rights reserved
She was the one who found me, not her husband, Helmut.
They were hiking on my mountain;
I had been lying face-down in a ravine
for 3,000 years under glacier
and when I heard her voice
my heart, a block of ice,
began to drip within my chest.
At first she didn’t recognize me; I was a form under wet glass and
she thought I was a fellow hiker lost in a storm
and covered in recent snow,
or that I had disappeared within her lifetime,
like the couple who were lost in 1934
protruding from the ice melt.
and stumbled upon by climbers.
“Erika, Ericka,” I am thinking, pleading in my frozen inner voice
“it is me!”
but of course I speak a pre-ancient language in my head
and my tongue stays motionless,
my lip is pushed up into a sneer,
so how could she possibly hear me?
how would she remember me?
and now I hope she will see me though my back is to her,
though I am shrouded in ice,
though so much time has passed.
It is our fate, you know, Erika
that we be reunited on this mountain.
I was about 60 kilometers from my Feldthurns village
leading the goats, climbing higher and higher
sustained on a little grain, some deer meat
you had packed for me, I was not used to the altitude;
my lungs ached
and my heart felt empty
when an arrow pierced my shoulder
I don’t know who shot it,
a hunter?
and I fell.
The snows shrouded me
at first warming me with a light air blanket
and then I lost consciousness
and fell into a cold dream.
When I had left you
my heart was not warm,
it was preparing itself for a freeze,
something it did many times
and so
I didn’t say, “good-bye, my Erika,
I am leaving now, and of course I will return.”
I just turned away again
and left you to fend for yourself.
Cold was easy for me; I was bred for it,
I was told that by generations before me
through the ancient oral history, the
notion that life must be cold,
that the snow will always continue
to fall in my blood,
that I cannot go to a warm place.
Glacier is my spirit, the white ghost
of it forever haunts me.
I walked; I was flea ridden.
I walked; my gut was bloated
with writhing whip worms
living, warm, within me,
eating through me.
I walked; my hip was fractured by wear though
I was only about 45 years old.
I was gentle, a tender of animals;
at times as terrified as a sheep or goat
caught between the moon and a shadow,
unable to tell where reality ended or began.
To fall was welcome.
To freeze was my escape.
No one could melt me.
Now you find me,
uncountable years later, and
the rescuers think I am
a modern climber, exposed by the sun.
They dig at me, with my own bow,
rip at my clothes to extricate me,
jackhammer me.
I do not deserve this,
I call silently to you, Erika, I am powerless.
When I am taken and turned to face you
I look at you with pitiful, frozen eyes,
you know me at last, I think.
You recoil in horror at
my blackened snow-burnt cheek,
my lost nose,
my missing scalp,
my broken, twisted bones.
I am not the man you knew or fed or loved epochs ago.
They shove me into a coffin to bring me
to civilization, and snap
my twig of an arm
and break my spirit.
I wish my heart hadn’t numbed to you, Erika,
time and time again.
I wish I hadn’t made you brood about me, to imagine
what happened to me all those frozen,
silent times
when my tongue was stuck to my teeth
and my lips sealed.
I wish I had spoken and embraced you,
If only I had opened my eyes and my mouth when
I chose not to; your breath might have defrosted me
and I would have been forced to feel.
To see.
To speak to you.
Instead I hid
under the snow
for eons, alone,
waiting for you
to find me
again.
The author speaks.
This is another of my “different” pieces, major, I think.
This is a poem based on a true event adapted by my imagination.
I would like to believe that karmic relationships exist and prevail, that this one was possibly a relationship in the past, and that Erika was destined to find Otzi.
I, too, once knew a frozen hearted man who was, as he once said in his own words, “bred for the cold.” He is the same character in the hangman.
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starfishred wrote on Jun 24, ’08
Oh Sue this is so wonderful words fail me- My husband and I got to see Ötzi in Innsbruck because my hubby knew the Italian team that was undertaking the case and they needed my hubbys help in a few things hence I got to see him first hand -. Your poem does it justice.
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sanssouciblogs wrote on Jun 24, ’08
starfishred said
Oh Sue this is so wonderful words fail me- My husband and I got to see Ötzi in Innsbruck because my hubby knew the Italian team that was undertaking the case and they needed my hubbys help in a few things hence I got to see him first hand -. Your poem does it justice. Thanks, Heidi! Thant comment meant a lot to me! |
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sanssouciblogs wrote on Jun 24, ’08
brian51 said
I greatly admire your gift of effortlessly stepping outside of yourself. You make their story yours, so that you can speak for them. I don’t know what else to say. It took me to that place. On that glacier. It’s perfect. Thanks, Brian, I very much appreciate the comment. I call this my “reactive poetry;” I have more. I think poetry is all around us; we just have to find it. |
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sanssouciblogs wrote on Jun 24, ’08
suggar202 said
I agree with Brian… you really take me places Sue with your writings. Kudos! and thanks to you, too, Suggar, I appreciate the feedback, it’s very important to know “it’s working.” |
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lauritasita wrote on Jun 24, ’08
I agree with you that this poem is not one of your usual poems, but it unique in that you are using more of your imagination. I feel a little depressed reading it, but I find it interesting. I think I will have to read it a few times to absorb it better…
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bostonsdandd wrote on Jun 24, ’08
I agree with Lauritasita. I think I need to read it a few more times. But only because it left me riveted LOL. I was caught up in the story you told. “The poor man!” Was what I kept repeating over and over. You made us feel HIS lose at not being able to communicate with his loved one. We’ve ALL been there LOL.
Very nicely done! I LOVED it. |
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bostonsdandd wrote on Jun 24, ’08
You know what I like about this poem? The punctuation. I love the run-on sentences because they build the hype. The short sentences make you experience the pain. The broken sentences, ones with commas, make you think he’s just rambling hoping someone will hear him but he knows they won’t. I LOVE that, Sans LOL. It’s something I would do ;o). So glad to see I’m not nuts to write like that. NOT in your caliber, but you know what I mean :oP.
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sanssouciblogs wrote on Jun 24, ’08
bostonsdandd said
You know what I like about this poem? The punctuation. I love the run-on sentences because they build the hype. The short sentences make you experience the pain. The broken sentences, ones with commas, make you think he’s just rambling hoping someone will hear him but he knows they won’t. I LOVE that, Sans LOL. It’s something I would do ;o). So glad to see I’m not nuts to write like that. NOT in your caliber, but you know what I mean :oP. Beyond the imagination there is the truth: There was an Otzi. There was an Erika. They lived in different dimensions, in different historical periods. What fi there was some kind of attachment, reason for her to have found him.
And then the metaphors, yes Lori, you got it. There are those who are so cold, so devoid or fearful that they don’t know how to speak. They are in pain and can’t cry out, they’d rather stay frozen in what they know. Or they can’t cope. The Otzi history is very interesting, by the way, well, I thought so. Otzi, Erika… They are just another couple. Thanks, Lori! |
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dianahopeless wrote on Jun 24, ’08
A very spellbinding story/poem. I loved listening to it spoken, as I read the words. You are a very talented lady. I am really enjoying your Poetry Wednesday.TY for sharing your work.
http://dianahopeless.multiply.com/journal/item/295/Silent_Charms_poem |
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sanssouciblogs wrote on Jun 24, ’08
dianahopeless said
A very spellbinding story/poem. I loved listening to it spoken, as I read the words. You are a very talented lady. I am really enjoying your Poetry Wednesday.TY for sharing your work. And thank YOU, Diana! Much appreciated.
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danceinsilence wrote on Jun 24, ’08
This, yes, pure imagination, but … as I listened and read along, I could see two people talking (well one as the other gazed to words spoken), heard his voice from epochs past speak truths meant for her ears only. A love frozen in time, and when she did finally find him again, his heart, “a block of ice, began to drip” within his chest.
Of all I have read of yours, this is perhaps the best I have read yet. You brought to the stage, two different lifetimes, two unknowing people and gave one life, even after death … tis the dreams we all long for when we leave this world. To hold onto a memory, if even for just ourself. As for Erika, I would like to believe in your telling she actually heard him and spilled a tear of silent thanks for a love carried beyond time immortal. Thanks for saddling up with the deerskins with me. Huggers 8=) |
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knightstar wrote on Jun 24, ’08
You’re a great poet, Sue; you tell more than a story. I guess we should always leave the other on good terms, lest we never return. The idea of having lived during that prehistoric time, fated to living out life bloated with an infestation of writhing whip worms, doesn’t particularly thrill me though.
–M |
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sanssouciblogs wrote on Jun 24, ’08
Thank you for this marvelous and insightful comment, Mr. Bill. You have the genius of being able to read between lines. I very much appreciate it!
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sanssouciblogs wrote on Jun 24, ’08
I am very grateful you read through, and I appreciate the comment. I did a lot of reading on Otzi; I was so intrigued by the discovery and by the history pieced together by those who literally delved into him. Worms and all. I wondered how Erika must have felt and reacted when she and her husband literally stumbled upon the ancient body. |
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millimusings wrote on Jun 25, ’08
Sue this had to be a biggie because it is based on a true story the discovery of a mountain man from times so long ago, Otzi a simple man and now a tangible evidence to our human past.. I love the magic you wove into the brutal facts about Otzi. How clever to make a love story out of an historic finding buried for so long in the deep ice and snow. You craft your poems like an ice sculpture crafts a solid piece of ice into something glimmering,perfect and pure. Poetry Wednesday: Flowers for My Teachers.
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lonewolfwithin wrote on Jun 25, ’08
totally captured my imagination… i loved it! thanks for sharing! *hugs* ^. .^
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sanssouciblogs wrote on Jun 25, ’08
millimusings said
Sue this had to be a biggie because it is based on a true story the discovery of a mountain man from times so long ago, Otzi a simple man and now a tangible evidence to our human past.. I love the magic you wove into the brutal facts about Otzi. How clever to make a love story out of an historic finding buried for so long in the deep ice and snow. You craft your poems like an ice sculpture crafts a solid piece of ice into something glimmering,perfect and pure. Poetry Wednesday: Flowers for My Teachers. Thanks, Milli. I had decided to work on a series called, “Couples.” I figured, “why not?” It surely would be different! I appreciated the comment. xoxo
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sanssouciblogs wrote on Jun 25, ’08
lonewolfwithin said
totally captured my imagination… i loved it! thanks for sharing! *hugs* ^. .^ I am so relieved it drew you in. The feedback is so important to me, and I appreciate yours, Sir Lone!
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lunarechoes wrote on Jun 25, ’08
This one is amazing. I am siting here with tears just running down my face. It’s so moving on so many leves–the karmic reunion, Otzi’ regrets, his years of frozen torment, the misunderstandings and lack of respect in the present. This is beautiful–heartbreaking and beautiful. Otzi as a real person, Otzi as a metaphor, Erica who was both left behind and able to move on through life and then more lives… I love it all!
No disrespect intended here, especially for such a wondeful poem, but should “time has past” be “passed,” or is the pun intentional, with so much time now being in the past? |
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sanssouciblogs wrote on Jun 25, ’08
From the Yahoo Universe:
* Kwika * Offline IM What and incredible voice you have given him Sue. I can picture him alone, ding, crying out to his beloved and after eons of searching finding her again in death. Wednesday June 25, 2008 – 10:14am (NZST) Remove Comment * Kwika * Offline IM dying not ding gosh when you con’t want it to work it does in milliseconds Jeesh!! Wednesday June 25, 2008 – 10:15am (NZST) Remove Comment * dange… * Offline IM kwika has put it beautifully – you have given him an incredible voice. this was a very moving poem. it flows beautifully and is so easily read but has many layers of meaning at the same time. i am not sure if i have read the hangman poem. if you have time, could you tell me where to find it in your blog roll please? Wednesday June 25, 2008 – 10:02am (EST) Remove Comment * Joann… * Offline IM wonderful! Wednesday June 25, 2008 – 04:15pm (EDT) Remove Comment * Joann… * Offline IM yes, the voice is good and I loved it Wednesday June 25, 2008 – 04:17pm (EDT) Remove Comment |
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sanssouciblogs wrote on Jun 25, ’08
Janeen
I love this! A love story across time. Souls meant for each other, searching time for the conclusion needed to thaw spirits trapped unfairly by chance. You are a master of poetry and story telling! -janeen |
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sanssouciblogs wrote on Jun 26, ’08, edited on Jun 26, ’08
lunarechoes said
This one is amazing. I am siting here with tears just running down my face. It’s so moving on so many leves–the karmic reunion, Otzi’ regrets, his years of frozen torment, the misunderstandings and lack of respect in the present. This is beautiful–heartbreaking and beautiful. Otzi as a real person, Otzi as a metaphor, Erica who was both left behind and able to move on through life and then more lives… I love it all! You are correct and I shall correct–purely subconscious. I appreciate your catching that and I am very appreciative of the comment!
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sanssouciblogs wrote on Jun 26, ’08
sanssouciblogs said
Janeen “Janeeni” I thank you for reading and for the comment. I save them all, they mean a lot.
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tulipsinspring wrote on Jun 26, ’08
Wow, this really captures the imagination. I remember reading the story about this discovery, and one of the many things that captivates me about archaeological discoveries is wondering about the individuals involved — what their lives were like, what they thought, what they felt. What an interesting twist on what that might have been, and such an amazing way of linking the present to the past and making him come alive.
I’m curious to read more about him now … and about the person who found him. I’m not sure if I believe in such connections over time — or maybe just not for me. But it’s a beautiful idea, and the way you present it here makes it seem so real. Another masterpiece my friend! Very emotional … I’m going back to read it again. |
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sanssouciblogs wrote on Jun 26, ’08
tulipsinspring said
Wow, this really captures the imagination. I remember reading the story about this discovery, and one of the many things that captivates me about archaeological discoveries is wondering about the individuals involved — what their lives were like, what they thought, what they felt. What an interesting twist on what that might have been, and such an amazing way of linking the present to the past and making him come alive. Thanks Ms. Tulips! I’ve known people who might as well have been living on ice. 😉
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sanssouciblogs wrote on Jun 26, ’08
By the way, Heidi was indirectly involved with this discovery through her husband–she was the first to comment, perhaps she’d like to share more publically, I didn’t want to post her message; suffice it to say, she met Otzi! |
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philsgal7759 wrote on Jun 27, ’08
Sorry I am so late summer has me out and about and planning my vacation Anyway this is a great story it would actually make a good play or film too I love the theme of reawakening love
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sanssouciblogs wrote on Jun 27, ’08
papahere said
I enjoyed your breathing life into this ancient man and then giving him a story he would have been proud to have been told,,,I will thank you for him. ~ Papa Thanks, Papa, my little blue smurfy! I appreciate that!
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skeezicks1957 wrote on Jun 29, ’08
this is a really different piece which gave me a different perspective I would have never came up with myself.
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sanssouciblogs wrote on Jun 29, ’08
skeezicks1957 said
this is a really different piece which gave me a different perspective I would have never came up with myself. Thanks, Skeez, I appreciate the feedback!
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skeezicks1957 wrote on Jun 29, ’08
and I appreciate Poetry Wednesday!
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my goodness i beg forgivness for havent been here before and i im so thankful that you call my attention here.
Sue, this master piece is the best i ever read from you, and one of the most beautifully chilling emotion i have felt in a long long time…somehow this recalls in me many things that i feel so alive, so real, even when i cannot see sometimes, even when i cannot touch some others…your words, the story, the emotions, the flow…the flair, the smell, the falvour…al that left in me, after reading and re-reading is an experience that i want to feel again and again…this goes beyond poetry, has a spirit dwelling in the words…difficult to explain as i feel goosebumps. thank you. i posted my poem that would be my entry for wednesday, but dont know if i will have time to link it, as im leaving this coming Friday. god bless you for your talent that shows me so much from life and existence…did i meet ou in a past life? |
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This was a fascinating find. I have always wondered what lays beneath the snow packed areas of this Earth. Your story is really very creative. We never know what is going to happen when we leave our loved ones, and it would make life more bearable if we let them know how important they are to us and how much we love them. It could be our last moments together. But some are just too cold as you said, to understand the warmth of love. I really enjoyed reading this work. You are really so talented, you have helped me break a year long period of not being able to pull my thoughts together well enough to put them down. Thank you for that and for allowing me to enjoy your talent.
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sanssouciblogs wrote on Aug 27, ’08
sylvie1 said
This was a fascinating find. I have always wondered what lays beneath the snow packed areas of this Earth. Your story is really very creative. We never know what is going to happen when we leave our loved ones, and it would make life more bearable if we let them know how important they are to us and how much we love them. It could be our last moments together. But some are just too cold as you said, to understand the warmth of love. I really enjoyed reading this work. You are really so talented, you have helped me break a year long period of not being able to pull my thoughts together well enough to put them down. Thank you for that and for allowing me to enjoy your talent. And thank you Sylvie for your beautiful comment. Everything I write is in someway based on experience. It just, well, came together. I am so glad you came by to read!
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260. Poetry: Series: Couples 6. Ötzi, the Iceman and Erika Simon — No Comments
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