Heartaches abound for those who seek to resist imperialist, patriarchal rule while concurrently establishing themselves within the hills surrounding the Connecticut River Valley. Zoning and planning boards remind us of one thing, the land that was once treated as mother earth is merely a play-toy for those who love exorbitant detail and regulation. Want to open up a dog kennel in your town? Prepare yourself for “what ifs” and neighbors who want things to remain how they’ve always been … at least since they moved into town. Thinking of building your dream home? You better recognize that in “this town,” the local aesthetic is essentially tailored to garnish the tourist dollars of jet skiing, mountain climbing, and snowshoeing flatlanders who could care less what simple ”hillfolk” are really like.

Why do the young people leave this area? Is it truly down to a lack of opportunity, or do they realize that hidden danger of knowing your neighbors a little too well? Screen time may be an impediment to emotional well-being, but there is an iceberg of what could be discussed about old hurts and holding on to past grievances. History, history, and history were all written by the victors, so who wants to hear more boasting and embellishment of what actually happened in a time that no one can quite fully remember? There is a possibility that these local boards and commissions are what holds the fabric of these micro-communities together. On the other hand, what degree of progress do they hold back?

Ahmad Esfahani

Greenfield