Saints at the River by Ron Rash

“A man stood on the rock where I’d photographed Herb Kowalsky.” He ate a Hardee’s breakfast biscuit as he peered into the water.”

                The construction of the temporary dam by Brennon’s men to search for Ruth Kowalsky’s body drew a huge audience like a spectator sport. People, for and against, serious and casual, stood on the river banks to watch what might happen. There was a seriousness in the action taking place, but there was also a nonchalant feeling among some of the people who were there. Since the young girl was not a part of the small community, no one had close ties with her and therefore was not too concerned.

“It would have been interesting to know which people, if any, Sheriff Cantrell considered the bad guys in this situation.”

                The situation was definitely a “Catch 22.” On the one hand, the Kowalsky’s want to retrieve Ruth’s body and have a proper burial for their daughter. And on the other hand, the construction of the damn will interrupt the stream of nature. Based on the politics, the personalities and their stances, it would be really difficult to choose a side and therefore decide who is right and wrong under the circumstances. However, many were able to choose who was in the wrong and who was in the right. But those in power, had to go by the thoughts of those higher up on the chain not by their personal opinions.

“After death, everything in a house appears slightly transformed”

                The feeling of death is always a dark one. Not only does it create a darkness in the mind filled with depression and sorrow but also the atmosphere is gloomy as well. When someone has passed away, close friends and family visit at the house. In the house, the mood can be very depressing which can force the lighting to appear dim. In the dark, things do appear different. Things can be scary as well which will make the atmosphere more depressing.

conciliatory: to overcome the distrust or hostility of; placate; win over (Saints at the River, 190)

eddies: a current at variance with the main current in a stream of liquid or gas, especially one having a rotary or whirling motion (Saints at the River, 191)

gamut: the entire scale or range  (Saints at the River, 195)