Prairie Ziggurat
Friday, February 23, 2007 at 11:49AM 
I have been working on a story called, "Ziggurat" for my collection. The image of the ancient Ziggurat bubbled out of my head as I pictured the prairie version of this stone structure. Shown above, though faraway, is an inland terminal. These concrete monsters rose above the flat landscape, replacing the wooden grain elevators that used to loom overhead - though, "loom" isn't quite right for the elevators. They were beautiful buildings, sometimes painted in deep oranges or reds, or soft blues. They looked like they were built by people and had a charm to them. I remember one night when one burned to the ground - the spectacle drew people out of their homes and into the street. More than a few eyes were wet, as we knew the building would not be replaced.
I say "were" because grain elevators are disappearing - I had this idea once to get in a van and go on a art and photography tour of those still standing. I went on a mini-one a few years back, stopping at every small town along a 200 mile stretch and taking photos of the elevators. Maybe I will go on a longer one before it is too late.
Inland terminals loom - these concrete goliaths rise out of the sky and cast long shadows. They are cold, stiff structures that do not sway in the wind. They look like they were built for the gods and maybe by gods, heartless gods.
From my story, "Ziggurat" –
The sky is devoid of any clouds and the wind doesn't cool you down, it just blows like hell and pushes the heat around. I’m in a dark navy Arrow shirt, black dress pants, and a black tie that threatens to choke me. Behind me, an inland grain terminal rises out the landscape like a Ziggurat without the steps. The shadow it casts makes me, just for a moment, understand idol worship.
The word popped into my head while I was writing - I had not thought of the comparison before, hadn't thought of the word, "Ziggurat" for years, back in Grade Nine history of ancient civilizations maybe.
Looking at the pictures above, I see why the image appeared.
Reader Comments (3)
I'd love to see a story where the prairie is dotted with pyramids, no one knows why. They appear wherever a grain tower once stood.
Craig, This post is lovely and the story sounds wonderful too. Let me know when I can read it.
Ahhh - my two favorite commenters.
I would love for both of you to read this story when it is finished.