Old Florida. Gone forever?
Everyone in such a rush these days. No time for anything.
Time is of the essence.
Got to get the kids to school. Hurry!
Got to get to work on time. Hurry!
Got a meeting at ten a.m. Hurry!
Got to make it cross town. Hurry!
Got to meet client at office. Hurry!
Got to run to the market. Hurry!
No time for lunch. Errands! Hurry! Hurry!
Got to get back to work. Hurry! Hurry! Hurry! Need job!
Got to finish report by five p.m. Hurry!
Got to stop by market again. Hurry!
Got to get home by six. Hurry!
In rush hour traffic. Can’t hurry!
We’re all in a hurry going somewhere. Can we ever slow down the running? How about a little time in the day to relax and enjoy the moment? Could it be possible? Have we forgotten where we are? We’re in Florida!
Just take a moment to relax. Take a breather. Slow down. Look around you, what do you see? Over there, wind blown oaks. Ah, Florida!
Take another breather. Look around you, and what do you see? Over there, Ibises and Egrets all along the road. Ah, Florida!
Another look. See the palmetto blowing gently in the wind. Another look. Tropical flora in abundance. Ah, Florida!
Another look. Brilliant hibiscus and bougainvillea. Another look. Up in the sky, the soaring and diving seagulls and pelicans. Ah, Florida!
Feel the gentle tropical breeze. Ah, feels so good. Feel the refreshing foamy surf as you wade along the shore. Feel the balmy air across your skin. Feels so good. Ah, Florida!
Smell the salty, briny, air from our ocean, bays, rivers and gulf. Ah, Florida! Smell the fresh caught fish at our docks. The catch of the day. Ah, fresh Florida! Smell the aromas of seafood from restaurants to backyard grills. So appetizing! Ah, Florida!
Hear and see the palms rustling in the wind. So Florida! Hear the natural sounds of birds and animals in our mangroves, marshes, and forests. Ah, Florida!
Hear the sounds of frogs, crickets, and cicadas. Almost deafening at sundown. Hear the stirring of gators in our rivers looking for prey. Watch out! You’re in Florida!
Last but not least, the incredible pallette of colors in our sunsets. Nothing like them.
The soft colors of orange, red, and pink along with a wisp of clouds, all moving towards the horizon. Just breathtaking. Enjoyed by so many every day in Florida.
Old Florida? It never left us. Still here. Just need to take time to notice it.
Ah, Florida!
Copyright 2026 Frank Clark