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Picture of the Day
Wednesday
July 10, 2024

i'd already been in for a swim, decided to have some fun
by standing at water's edge, staying put in one place to let
the swelling tide creep over my toes, rise above my ankles.
i was surprised to see my neighbor's rowboat so low on his
beach; squinted but couldn't make out where the bowline
was tied off but figured it must have been anchored. they
say a rising tide lifts all boats, and his was no exception.
in 10 years of lifeguarding, i only ever made two saves,
but i felt the training stir in my blood as the untethered
vessel began drifting away, borne by wind against the
tidal surge. i acted with alacrity, waded in and dragged it
back to his place, where cocktail hour was in full effect.
"james!" i shouted, "is this your boat?" he beamed as he
shook my hand and i felt like a real hero. and with true
heroic humility i swam back to the public beach. back
home, i got to thinking aloud about love thy neighbor.
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