Alpheus

" ' "I was," she says, "one of the nymphs who live in the Achaean woods. I was intent on tracks and trails and setting hunting nets- no nymph had greater passion for such tasks. I never wanted to be known for beauty- I thought my courage was conspicuous but all my fame was or mere lovlieness...
One day...I made my way back from the forest...That day was hot-but twice as hot for me: the hunting had been hard, and I was weary, I came upon a stream. Unmurmuring and unperturbed it glided, crystalline- so clear down to the riverbed that one could count each pebble there. That stream was so transparent that it did not seem to flow...I bathed my feet, then I went in up to my knees. But now I wanted more cool water: I undid my dress...I strike those waters in a thousand ways, dividing, joining, splashing as I play" (170)

The story of the nymph Alpheus most resembles my life story. She is the nymph that enjoys recreation which is my greatest passion. While some see me as a pretty girl, sometimes I wish that my feminine image could be washed away, and in return be praised for the activities I partake in.
When i'm in the wilderness I often find myself describing crystalline water just as Alpheus does in her story. During the hot summer days while i'm out hiking or climbing I often find myself submerging my own body in bodies of water. The nymph does a great job of making the water sound tantalizing and inescapable.