Earth, Wind, Fire, and Water
In Florida, what delights you
can also kill you: the beautiful
earth where palm trees, sea
grape, and frangipani grows can
also swallow you up in a sinkhole.
That wonderful sea breeze a certain
poet told me you can feel blowing
all the way from Spain at night if you
stand under the lighthouse on Anastasia
Island? That very one can blow to hell
anything and anyone you love. And as for
fire, we love to tan ourselves by the glow
of the sun, but that burning orb is bearing
down on us from above, bringing climate
change and melanoma as we speak.
That ocean you love? A tsunami, in the right
wind, so don’t get too comfortable. All the rivers
have alligators, too, and snakes. Before you make
the mistake of selling everything and moving here, be aware.
On the other hand, there’s a party at the beach on New Year’s
Day. You’re invited – bring a dish. And of course, sunscreen!