Soaking in Bath Water
On this quiet, drizzly afternoon I can only imagine the bustle of activity on the wooden plank docks and platforms. I think I hear the sailors shouting, unloading cargo, and the waves lapping against the wooden boats, anchors groaning. But, it’s my imagination. Today, the soft waves splash grassy lawns that creep to the water’s edge. Today’s young historians remember Bath as the first city, and the home of Edward Teach, the infamous pirate Blackbeard. It’s also the place of inspiration for Edna Gerber’s novel Showboat. But much of its historical importance has been lost over time. Once it was considered for the colonial capital. Once it was the busiest Southern port. Once it was the landing place of hope, gratitude, and plans for things to come. Documents of journalists say not much has changed in Bath in 300 years. I wonder how that can be?
What we saw today was a restful old town on the water. Looks like most of the town sits next to water. Beautiful old homes hide under ancient leafy bowers; 21st century residents on errands hurry under umbrellas to their cars. Luxurious boats rock idly in their slips. Bicyclists dart about leaving small water sprays behind them.
But geographically, that original town is now designated as the Historic District, begging respect of those who walk her brick paths. The sea still rolls by and lifts and lowers the waters of the sound on the same daily tide schedule. Sea gulls still watch for sails. Beneath the water, wreckage of pirate ships and ships of commerce rest at peace as they have for centuries. The rain still falls on resident gardens where heirloom roses still bloom, and the watermen still ply their nets and crab pots. Perhaps not much has changed. We, after all, are just a moment, just a speck, in Time. And the sun came out again, as it always did and does.