This piece was inspired by two experiences: one was a bad-roommate situation for which I did not feel comfortable existing in my own home, and the second was a relationship formed with the Penobscot River. The year of this particular living situation, I would often walk down to this River. It became a source of comfort for me during that time. I would feel more in touch with my emotions by the River, and in turn it soothed me. The River was an example for how the environments we surround ourselves with, and the people we surround ourselves with, have a large impact on our lives. The roommate situation I was experiencing at this time was one that negatively affected my life. As if I was a river, I felt polluted by the living situation I found myself in. It made me think about how disappointed I was in my roommate, for allowing their actions to be so ignorant and harmful of another person's experience (my own), and also how significantly I was being affected by those around me - whether this was something I was allowing of myself, or something that was inherent to my being. This piece is both a reflection on how strongly the world around me affects my well being, and also how my own actions can determine what surrounds me, what "grows on my shores," for this constant feedback loop. It is a reminder, to myself, of how important it is for me to pay extra care and awareness to who, what, and where I allow my time to be spent.