Waves Of Jubilation

[Douglas Mercer]

The transformation of human bodies into treasures through the agency of sea water may be Shakespeare’s most resonant image of the ocean. When I recall this passage or sing it to myself in the shower, I like to remember that so much of the glorious vision is false. The King-father has not drowned. His bones and eyes remain in his living body, walking a different part of the beach in freshly-cleaned clothes. Even the depth which Ariel describes – five full fathoms, about 30 feet – isn’t all that far. On a sunny day, in clear Mediterranean waters, we can see thirty feet down. We might even be able to swim there, if we really want to.

[Douglas Mercer]

Full fathom five thy father lies,
Of his bones are coral made,
Those are pearls that were his eyes,
Nothing of him that doth fade,
But doth suffer a sea change,
into something rich and strange

[Douglas Mercer]

[Douglas Mercer]

[Douglas Mercer]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vIWCSrG1d-Y

[Douglas Mercer]