From Quinn Costello, Chris Metzler, and Jeff Springs comes a story of “lasts” in their short documentary film, Moss Man. The man in question is Adam Morales, and he is the last of the moss men.
Every day, Morales heads out along the swamps of Pierre Part, Louisiana, to gather Spanish moss growing on the trees. Before the advent of synthetic fibers, Spanish moss was used to fill mattresses and pillows. No longer in demand, moss is now primarily sought after as part of floral decorations.
“…Adam Morales…is the last of the moss men.“
Morales is also the last of the true Cajuns. He describes Cajuns as someone who can survive without a regular job, and for most of his life, all Morales did was fish and collect moss. Having a steady job is now expected of those living in the shrinking town of Pierre Port. Sadly the Cajun traditions that live on there are also disappearing, which is a shame.
Moss Man is a mere snapshot at the last of the moss men and the Cajuns. The short runs less than three minutes and successfully paints a picture of a time gone by, a time I wish I can take a step back. I can’t remember the last time I thought about taking it easy… maybe to fish or collect moss.
"…successfully paints a picture of a time gone by..."
