The Rime of the Modern Mariner

In 'The Rime of the Modern Mariner,' a mariner appears on a park bench to share his chilling tale. Cursed by an albatross he killed while hunting whales, he and his crew find themselves trapped in the North Pacific Garbage Patch, a vast, hypoxic, slow-whirling maelstrom of plastic waste. This hidden repository of the world's litter becomes the stage for a modern environmental tragedy, where the mariner encounters various characters, including a lady made of oil, a deserted ghost-ship drilling barge, and even a 2-inch salp, the human race's oceanic ancestor. The narrative is rich with mythical and environmental themes, featuring cameos from figures like Nostradamus, Cassandra, Medusa, Poseidon, Thor, Gaia, Al-Javari, Mephistopheles, and a buzzard./n/nThe book blends elements of fantasy and environmental commentary, offering a unique perspective on the consequences of human actions on the natural world. The mariner's journey is not just a physical one but also a metaphorical exploration of guilt, redemption, and the urgent need for environmental stewardship. The inclusion of mythical figures adds a layer of depth, making the story both a cautionary tale and a poetic reflection on our times.