An article in yesterday's (May 28, 2008) Washington Post colorfully described the plight and challenges facing members of the Chesapeake Bay watermen's community as they prepare for this year's crab harvest.
Much of the color was provided by the residents and watermen themselves, who live in close-knit and somewhat isolated island communities. Through generations going back to the 1800s and earlier, they have maintained a strong spiritual tradition.
And an unusual way of describing things.
Recalling his experience surviving a terrible storm, one waterman says:
"You talk about praying? I was praying right heavy," said Rodney "Binky" Dize, 72, a retired waterman from Smith Island. He was talking about a storm more than a decade ago, with strong winds, sloshing waves and lightning "sharp as Cornwallis's sword."
Stop there for a moment and savor the language. "Sharp as Cornwallis' sword."
A metaphor emerges from the murky depths of American history to live again -- from more than 225 years ago when a group of colonies was striving for independence from a world power.
It makes one wonder what other interesting observations a Cheasapeake Bay islander might make. Say ...
-- For George Bush. "As mad as King George III."
-- Or Barack Obama. "A voice as clear and strong as Patrick Henry's."
Feel free to make up your own colonial metaphors.