Changes I would make.

[eggplant107]

No: HPFGUIDX 177650

 Random832 <random832 at ...> wrote:

> Steam (which is invisible)

Huh?

> rising in any pattern that can be
> said to be characteristic of the
> substance (steam is pure water) 
> that it's rising from is impossible
> anyway.

HUH?!

> I certainly didn't visualize it rising in a helix.

That my friend I simply do not believe. The word "helix" may not have
sprung to mind but a helix is what you were visualizing.

Eggplant