Floating Ash: A Metaphor

Norman Maclean's classic story, A River Runs Through It has transcended generations because of one thing: fly fishing is the vehicle (metaphor) by which the author can explore the more important questions surrounding his life--religion, relationships, and philosophy.

When describing a casting technique he tries out, the narrator remarks, "One of life's quiet excitements is to stand somewhat apart from yourself and watch yourself softly becoming the author of something beautiful, even if it is floating ash" (43).

Earlier, he explains the importance of the floating ash--that the case is "so soft and slow that it can be followed like an ash settling from a fireplace chimney." 

I decided to use this metaphor for my own project--to document, muse about, and discover the gifts and benefits of living with ADD.