Sand is a miraculous substance, the product of many elements
sweeping through and transforming one another. It begins with
solid rock, the earth element. But rock is worn down by wind and
water, until the result participates in all three natures. Sand
is still made of tiny stones, but rendered airy and fluid. You
can pour sand from one hand to the other. It flies through the
air, to the dismay of those who end up with grit in their eyes.
The ripples of a sand dune echo the waves that ripple the ocean.
Somehow it seems correct for beaches to be made of sand, as if
the fluidity of the sea has touched the land, turning it into
something soft and yielding, liquid between our toes. On a hot
day, the beach-sand even picks up the fiery warmth of the sun.
Earth, air, water fire -- the classic four elements of the
ancient Greeks – are all wrapped together in sand.           No
wonder children can play for hours in it. Sand can be wetted
down and – paradoxically becoming more solid from the addition
of water – built in