WATER, A TEMPTRESS?

Whether ocean, river, lake or pond, the allure of water has called to us down through the ages. It matters not that rivers over flow. We want to be as near to river banks as possible. It matters not that bays and inland waterways parameters are temporary, we build marinas on them. Winds rant their fury on the ocean. The ocean rants its fury on coastal homes and communities, but live there we must.

When water becomes too unruly, we try to put this temptress in her place. We build barriers of sand bags. We build jetties made out of tires, cars,and buses that look like a Rube Goldberg contraption. We defy her, returning, rebuilding, always challenging her, never admitting our own limitations in the face of her strength.

Poets sing to her charms. Adventurers sail her. Children build sand castles near her even as they hope that she does not come too close. Nations have fought over her even as she has destroyed life and land. Still, we fight to be by her side and never seem to learn that water is one temptress that cannot be calmed once provoked.