From here you can see everything. You can watch the movement and the flow. You can see where it has been and where it is going. There is perspective that affords the ability to feel smug with knowledge and secure from the pulling and twisting and josseling. Here it is easy to stand and pass judgement, to be stationary and watch things go by and say “yeah, I saw that coming” and pat yourself on the back. Here it is quiet and safe and water like time passes at the same speed while the scenery remains the same. Here is known and familiar. You are safe and rested and stagnant and feel in control. There is danger but it is known: Don’t fall.
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Here it is loud and it pulls and you have to fight to stay in control. There is drag over the slick rocks in the fast water and it can be hard to get traction. Here is pulling, twisting, josseling. It is difficult to see what is coming and dangerous to look for what has passed. The only judgement is how well you navigate and the current is strong but with a little practice you can maneuver in any direction. With or against, in straight lines or wandering curves, planned and strategic and floundering and improvisational. Here it is fresh and difficult and the scenery changes. There is movement and exists much danger, but you can’t fall.
Which looks like a better time?
-Alex who’s planning things.