Reminders Of Another Time

Photo: Detail from picture in a thrift shop.
Today's picture reminds me...of growing up on a river...in Guyana...in South America.
Several of us siblings...used to paddle our way to school...in a small boat...not very
high above the water. On the banks of the river...we would often see...alligators...
lying on the bare parts of the shore...soaking up the sun. There were many creatures
that shared our surroundings with us...but the alligator...was one of the most seen
ones. We also swam in that river...where under the surface...who knew what lurked.
But children have a way...of working with...dancing and playing in...any environment they find themselves in...and we of the river...certainly did. We didn't walk around
being afraid of the wild denizens of the river surrounding us...instead...we were
taught the best way to live and let live with them...for most of the time. With our
river swimming...we were taught...not to go near the nest of a mother alligator and
her young ones...because she was likely to defend against invasions of her territory.
We all survived...I'm happy to report...and once in a while...there is a reminder
of a time...that now seems...light years away.........................Quester.