Ocracoke Harbor and John Masefield

Last night I rode my bike down to the harbor to watch the sunset. The area had a few couples sitting side by side and folks taking photos. I noticed this gull circling round and round. Perhaps not knowing where to go, where to land?

I finally got out my camera and snapped the shot. This photo, now that I look at it, makes me think of my life as an artist. Even though I am constantly with creative folks and travel from stage to stage in my life, much of my work is done in solitaire. I can write anywhere really, but I prefer my quiet studio here on Ocracoke or in my hometown.

I have been known to write in parking lots, on trains, boats, planes, and all other locations, of course! But, still, the work is done alone.

When I was a child my dad had me memorize "Sea Fever" by John Masefield. Maybe you did that as well. If not, why not now?

Until tomorrow.

           SEA FEVER

               By John Masefield

I must to down to the seas again, to the lonely seas and skies.

And all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by;

And the wheel’s kick and the wind’s song and the white sail’s shaking,

And a grey mist on the sea’s face, and a grey dawn breaking,

I must go down to the seas again, for the call of the running tide

Is a wild call and a clear call that may not be denied;

And all I ask is a windy day with the white clouds flying,

And the flung spray and the blown spume, and the sea-gulls crying.

I must go down to the seas again, to the vagrant gypsy life,

To the gull’s way and the whale’s way where the wind’s like a whetted knife;

And all I ask is a merry yarn from a laughing fellow-rover,

And quiet sleep and a sweet dream when the long trick’s over.