Hallowed Bluff

2003

14" X 22"

Oil on Panel

SOLD

If it is possible to make sacred
a piece of land
then this spot on this Chilmark bluff
on the edge of the planet
overlooking the sea
is so sanctified.

Of the many who have passed
and paused
and wondered
there is one who sparkled.

On a balmy night
in a long ago October
when the wind turned around
and blew the fireplace smoke
back and into and all around the cabin
Aunt Nancy grabbed the potholders
Lynn held the door
and Uncle David and I teased the burning logs into the lobster pot
and up the rise to the edge of the bluff.
On the count of three we heaved and stood back
as the showers of sparks spiraled up and around us
competing with the starlit skies for our favors.

When the laughter died down Uncle David took our hands
and pointed to a long shaft of white light raking across the ocean’s surface below
There, you see,
the reflection of Jupiter in the water on the surface of our planet.
Now how ‘bout that.

He’s out there now
Smiling among the stars
And lining up his telescope
to see if we’re paying attention.