What is water in my life? In the terms of David Foster Wallace I would say that my “water” is the reality in which I exist; ruled by the perceptions and standards of meaning I have assigned to the world. In simpler terms, if we are looking at the element, water then my perception of water has always been that of cleaning and escape. I think back to my childhood in which going to a public pool or the beach was an adventure all in itself. I recall feeling free as the current and the rippling texture I was emersed in would toss me about as I would push against its force and will myself in impossible directions. In a submerged state one can accomplish feats only fantasies about; to fly and twirl about in weightlessness. The one caveat of water is its cruel duality. It has the ability to give you wonderful powers and breath life into you, but just as quickly it can envelope you and snuff you out. Its almost crueler than fire, who’s intoxicating glow can draw you in but is still telling of the damage it can cause. Water on the other hand extends a welcoming hand and with its churning hypnosis it beckons you enter its world. Thinking about water I’m suddenly drawn to all that we don’t know about it. Its such a present force in our lives and it spans over the grader surface of our planet, yet we know more about outer space then what lies beneath the darkest recess of the ocean. It really isn’t an element made for humans. Naturally we have evolved and become so curious as to traipse on its upper layers, but in my recent neurosis, the terror of what could be gliding under your toes irrationally comes to mind. I do my best to dismiss the the varieties of fins and fangs that no doubt look up at my toes and try and remember the delightful sensation of flying that I cling to.
What is Water In My Life
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Jake Pavlica's Blog 
I love the way you personified something so simple as water. It brings to life the emotion you feel and shows the significance of your perception!
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Hi Jake – right now I’m not seeing comments appearing on your site from your peer members Melissa and Bella. Perhaps their comments remain in moderation (waiting to be approved so they appear on your site?)
I appreciate how you likened DFW’s speech to a survival guide encouraging us to be more aware and open-minded of what surrounds us, what affects us, and how we engage. You mention that “we rarely question” and we also “take so much for granted. Describing DFW as having a “scathing wit” and “comfortable dialog” is very effective. He does try his best to challenge us, I agree.
I also enjoyed your depiction of the dual nature of water. It can be a force of nature, or it can be something we actually contain (such as a swimming pool). It can be scary, unfamiliar and it can be soothing, sweet. The idea that water as a force of nature does call upon our awareness that this is not our natural environment (though perhaps it was a trillion or so years ago).
And too, I think the free-verse flow of your stream of conscious works very well in this response!
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I absolutely loved your response! I have never thought about water in that way – the idea that it is both a peaceful and calming entity, but also one that could be dangerous in certain situations. It really does make you think about the fact that things are almost always two-sided, there are good sides and bad sides to almost everything. Your response was extremely thought provoking and your ideas were expressed very fluidly. Is there a particular instance that led to your curiosity about the ocean? Wonderful work!
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