Tuesday, June 17, 2014

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.

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