Tidal whirlpool on the Mississippi

I went out and drew for fu

n today, although it was kind of a frustrating day as an artist, it seemed like no one was figuring out what it was.  Some of the weirdest guesses were a face, and a fern.  One lady had a little boy with her after I said it was a tidal whirlpool the boy said that makes sense with the river right there.  The lady then told him he didn't understand that it wasn't about the water it was a soul portal.  I guess I didn't understand either.  Oh and my Mom went with infected dog bite for what it looked like to her.