The Valley, 1989
The Valley (Page 8)
by William Burroughs
Fire is a problem, but we have the burning crystals. Occasionally there is a feast, perhaps two large snakes have been killed and one fish can be spared. On these rare occasions the Corners perform, and some of them die the following day. Their bodies must be hashed up and used to fertilize the moon-corn patches for future Corners.
Corners have the calling like a priest. It is both an honor and a disgrace to have a Corner in the family. But at the age of puberty the mark of the Corner can be perceived: a look of dreamy despair, the look of a hungry guest in time of famine, but a noble resignation that transcends the hunger. At first the Corners are supple and strong. A few have been known to reach the overhangs.