Untidy Tides

If the waters are deep enough, you might never know just how turbulent and chaotic the currents run.

I remember growing up at the coast; brilliant summer sun, crashing waves, half naked frolics among the dunes. I grew accustom to swimming in the surf and keeping watch of my location by landmarks along the shore. The cross currents were constant, and near the breaker-line, as the waters shallow, could be underestimated. A few minutes of mindless play, and floating could find you blocks further down the strand than where one had entered. Countless times, I gave directions to salt water soaked tourists who had lost there bearings. Mostly, the currents where harmless, mildly disorienting.

Rarely, if the tide was high and the waters deep enough, a resending tide could rapidly tow you out to sea. The inexperienced swimmer might fight the current, flailing toward shore and ultimately yielding to the superior power of the ocean. Drownings did happen. I have seen the swollen, lifeless remains on the sand.

Today, the swirling currents of my being are running strong beneath the calm depths. Today is dangerous. I need to be careful with me.