

A Small King – Nicholas Triolo
7 snips May 13, 2025
Nicholas Triolo, a writer deeply influenced by Christian mystic Thomas Merton, embarks on a captivating journey along the Rio Côa in Portugal. He reflects on the divine feminine presence in nature and the concept of rewilding. Triolo discusses the challenges faced by endangered species like the Iberian lynx and how spirituality intertwines with ecological wisdom. He emphasizes the need for communal efforts in conservation, exploring the balance between human connections and the wilderness, ultimately seeking liberation and connection in a world often marked by despair.
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Iberian Lynx Sculpture Story
- The Iberian lynx, one of the most endangered cats, hasn't been seen there for 20 years, but stands as a giant sculpture in a town plaza.
- This representation captures the tension between absence and memory in the Coa Valley's landscape.
River as Living Promise
- A river is more than water; it's a connector and a living promise, stretching from its source to its vast reaches.
- Standing at a river's birth evokes a sense of destiny and deep connection to nature and life.
Merton's Asian Journey and Death
- Thomas Merton's Asian Journal reveals his spiritual quest and critiques, including his evolving anarchist views and activism.
- His death in Thailand remains mysterious, marking the end of a tumultuous but searching life.