How Real the Gulf Feels
Janet Kuypers
2/25/24
If you’re flying in from across the country
You’ll probably fly into Fort Myers, with all that
Heat and humidity before you even step off the plane.
If you were starting at the tourist stops,
Leave Disneyworld and fly down to the smaller
Naples airport instead, down at the end of Radio Road.
If they still offer it, spend the small bit of
Coin to learn how to fly an airplane, for once you
Reach altitude they’ll let you take control of steering,
Look down to see trees swaying, rte. 41,
And yes, it’s also called Tamiami Trail, and yes,
It does go to Miami, but learn how to say it properly...
When not over water get a feel for this land —
You might not spot Jan drive or San Lu Rue Ave.,
But sense how real that Gulf feels is when flying over it.
But once you’ve had your fill of Tin City
And the beach with the now reconstructing pier,
Got further south, forget the tours and rent a rowboat
To make your own journey though the
Everglades, the largest tropical wilderness
In the United States and the third-largest national
Park in the contiguous United States.
Due to past efforts to drain the marshland
For agriculture, development and flood control, the
Everglades is half the size it was a
Century ago, so I’m telling you, take this
Moment to forget the tourism of this state — instead,
Rent a rowboat, because this is the
Pure way to immerse yourself in the sounds,
The desolation, the immense peace you’ll finally feel.
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