JOHN YDSTIE, Host:
Manatees have lived in the waterways along Florida's coast for millions of years. Essayist Diane Roberts recently spent a hot day on a boat reflecting on the clash between the charismatic endangered species and water-faring humans.
DIANE ROBERTS: Suddenly, they swim up toward the surface, looking at us with their ancient eyes. Maybe they're wondering why we don't join them down there. There's plenty of eelgrass for everybody.
YDSTIE: Diane Roberts teaches creative writing at Florida State University in Tallahassee. This is NPR News. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.