Everyday Rock

What is unusual in the world? It depends on what one is used to, what observations have become common from experience.

Newcomers to Betty's Bay may marvel at this rock. Even draw meaning from it as a significant, meaningful spot, the confrontation with it at the particular time an omen to take to heart. Others will be familiar with the effects of erosion to have a simple explanation for how it came to be like this. Not get excited by an unusual stage in the transformation of an everyday boulder. Some hardly spare a glance.

Is it good to learn so well that no wonder is left in the world? Is it good to learn about the world and see wonder in everything? Is wonder then a style fitting some personality types or soft moments? A choice to let or not to let science interfere with one’s relating to nature? The learning of names and explanations for everything is enough to be done with it?

The human reaction to such a rock is age related, for sure. Children shout when they see it for the first time. Their parents are busy with other things: Yes, yes, I see it! The grandparents smile at the children, take a long look at the rock, remembering other funny rocks from long ago. Turn away, satisfied with the day.