The Geographic Cure
© 2007 by Michael Domino
Feb One 2008
In 1804 Lewis and Clark set out on an epic journey to find an
inland waterway from the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean.
Before they left they went to visit their therapist who
questioned them as to why they thought they might think they
would be happier if they left all they had in Ohio to explore the
uncharted territory of the American West. The explorers could
barely figure out what the therapist was talking about,
especially when he suggested that they might be depressed,
just looking to change themselves by changing their outward
surroundings rather than accepting life on life’s terms and
finding inner peace from family, community, and fellowship.
Once again Lewis looked at Clark with the expression, “What
the fuck is he talking about, because we really need to get the
hell out of here and do some fucking exploring.”
The therapist said that there were medicines available that the
anxious-to-travel men could take which would calm their mood
swings and even out their desires, to help them find what they
were searching for in life without taking unnecessary risks
Clark asked, "Is he talking bout whiskey? ‘Cause we packed
plenty of that.” Clark said, “No, he's got some potions and pills,
and, after we take them, we can go to church, sit around in a
circle, and talk ‘bout our feelin’s with the rest of the townfolk.”
Lewis said to Clark, “I think we best get the fuck out of here
because we got some serious exploring to do.”
As they headed for the door, the therapist said, “Young men, I
hope you find the peace that you both so desire in your hearts
out there somewhere.”
Lewis mounted his horse, reached inside his saddle bag,
withdrew a pint of whiskey, took a swig, and, handing it to over
Clark, said, “Let's ride, brother. Let's ride.”