THE SMELL OF THE TIDEWATER

 I must confess my fondness for the distinctive odor of tide waters. 

From my youth along the tributaries of the Elizabeth River to my mature and older life here in Poquoson Virginia, I find the smell of low and storm tides wonder filled manifestations of life, death and natures endless cycle of renewal.  

Within the tides and the marshlands there is the beginning of life for shelled, winged and finned creatures. Those same waters and muds also witness the demise and decay of the water borne creatures and the adjacent foliage. This endless cycle then fertilizes new life despite the fouling of our waters by harmful substances and objects.

While some may consider the smell of the tides and marshy ooze as offensive, I love and embrace the nasal experience as another glorious gift from the nature created by Almighty God.