There's nothing quite like observing huge Thunderhead (cumulonimbus) clouds roiling against a deep blue sky. From miles away, the intense atmospheric instability is beautiful and calming. Well, I suppose that depends whether it's approaching or leaving. I almost always experience a sense of nervousness whenever a thunderstorm looms on the horizon, yet it's not altogether an unpleasant feeling. I love storms. Yet, I'm aware directly beneath it people, birds, and other critters are probably getting pummeled with high winds, heavy rain, lightning, and perhaps hail. Perhaps some will even perish. That's how it is with nature. From a safe distance, potentially dangerous things (because we've learned them to be as such) have won our respect; the powerful force of a tornado, the spectacular energy of lightning. Similar sensations can be experienced throughout nature’s realm, whether a bear in the wilderness or spotting a shark in the depths below while snorkeling.
© 2009 Mike McDowell