Rose Dickson
5 October 2008
0923 – 0940 hours
Walking downtown 23rd and Thurman, Portland, OR, USA
58 degrees, rain
Walking down the streets of Portland I become accustomed once again to the real world. I am visiting home this weekend from Willamette University and it feels so nice to step outside the bubble that is so often surrounding me at Willamette. As I walk through the streets I notice the definite change in landscape. No longer is the Mill stream flowing near the sidewalk. Instead my view is of grays and blacks. Buildings encompass my view and the height of them even pollutes my vision of the sky. Walking down the street I feel my feet begin to dampen. I realize that one aspect of nature humans cannot control is weather. No matter how many skyscrapers, sidewalks or parking lots you can find in a city, the air temperature and moisture can never be pre-determined or altered. My moccasins have now become completely soaked as I unconsciously splash through every puddle that is now taking over the cityscape. Like a mirror the puddle acts as a reflector, making all the surroundings appear more open and larger. Something strange that I realize is that the reflections of these puddles represent a connection between nature and society. What is seen inside the puddle when looking closely is natural rain water and some dirt or worms caught inside. However, when looking into a puddle at first glance you may catch sight of an executive office or a storefront. A reflection not of itself but of its surroundings. Even though puddles are not lasting, they provide a reminder that humans are not always in control. A wet toe can be proof that nature will always have its affect on us.
photo courtesy:http://www.danheller.com/images/UnitedStates/NewYork/Misc/puddle-reflect.jpg
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