Confined and Defined by Daily Rituals

How do daily rituals confine us? And define us?

Consider the intertwined rituals of lobstermen in their pursuit of lobsters, and the role of an unvarying daily ritual: the setting sun.

lobster traps in Maine
Well Contained in Maine by Jann Alexander ©2014

Tucked away: A lobsterman’s traps are stacked and ready for tomorrow’s catch, just steps from his home near the shoreline.


 

Off-Duty Maine Lobster Boat
Off-Duty in Maine by Jann Alexander ©2014

Anchored: His trusted lobster boat sits off-duty at dusk, all set to make the rounds again the next day.


 

Lobster Buoys by Jann Alexander ©2014
Castoffs by Jann Alexander ©2014

Settled in: Unmoored lobster buoys lean up against a tree, awaiting recovery by fellow fisherman who’ve lost them.


 

trapped live lobsters
Contained by Jann Alexander ©2014

Confined: The catch of the day, subdued with claws banded, is contained first by a trap, now by a crate, soon by a pot and then by a plate.


 

Setting Maine Sun by Jann Alexander ©2014
Setting Maine Sun by Jann Alexander ©2014

Absolute: The setting sun is not as easily contained as the traps and the boat and the buoys and the catch, but its routine is just as reliable. ♣

Do you feel confined by your daily rituals, or do they help define you?

6 thoughts on “Confined and Defined by Daily Rituals

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  1. My days are pretty unstructured though there are some things I do each day willingly. Love that you’ve used lobster men to make your point. They are among my favorite subjects.

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    1. Sounds like your daily rituals help stir your creative pot. Thanks for the feedback, Lulu. Lobster boats, and their men, are so photogenic and fascinating. I presume you enjoy the results of their labors, too?

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