The Gods Have a Sense of Humor

I've come to the conclusion that the Gods--or whatever Supreme Power you answer to--chuckle daily, if not hourly, at us homosapiens. We, the mammals gifted with speech, thumbs, and logical-thinking brains are truly oblivious to the wonders of planet Earth.

We're all aware the planet we inhabit is three quarters covered with water. What we don't realize is that under the surface lives an entire society, a community, filled with unbelievable beauty. I'd like to believe I've been exposed to this world, even though I've only scratched the surface (please pardon the pun).

I SCUBA'd down to the depth of 33 feet in Falmouth Harbour Antigua. Again, sounds rather unspectacular, but considering the atmospheric pressure is double than that at sea level, I believe I've done something that earns me a merit badge. (I earned a secondary badge for staying down for 63 minutes--something even experienced divers don't do at that depth!)

We've all seen video and photography that clearly illustrates a foreign world filled with fins, gills, brilliant colors, reef, sea anemones, etc. I always thought these captured images were somehow enhanced via modern-day technicolor in order to further capture the imagination and wonderment of the human brain. Please believe when I say simply...it is not. If anything, the real thing is better than the paltry snapshot that is accompanied by an anthropomorphic voice over. The colors are more vivid, the communities of organisms busier than expected. Beyond that, there is simply no substitute for immersing yourself (again, forgive the pun) in this world. In fact, I wouldn't mind if I started to grow gills just so I could be a permanent member of Community Ocean.

Less about my inclinations and back to the wonders of the ocean....

The reason why it is better than video, photography, or even snorkeling is simple--you are literally surrounded by this new world. No IMAX could ever compare. The perspective of being a part of the oceanic community is beyond words--despite the wonderful complexity and diversity of the English language. To swim eye to eye with a Queen Triggerfish, a Spotted Drum, and a Squirrelfish; to awe at the colors and textures of a Parrot Fish; to uncover a group of spiny lobster hiding beneath a rock; to gasp in wonder at the pod of jellyfish ABOVE you in the azure blue waters; to watch as a Nassau Grouper darts back into his grouper-man-cave, to wonder at the colors, shapes, and sizes of everything! The images keep swirling in my human brain.

So, to Poseidon, thank you for allowing me to visit your world. May you welcome me back with open arms. To the School of Darwin--please consider this my official petition to stand further left on the evolutionary chart. To Jacque Cousteau, we humans owe you so much for introducing us to this world. To the remainder of the Supreme Powers...please don't laugh at us humans. We are slow to discover all of your wonders, but are efforting to do so. Please be patient.