The Unexpected Call

2002

28" X 19"

Oil on Panel

In the Artist's Collection

It’s Christmas Eve.
Creek has been frozen for weeks.
Snow has been falling since last night.

I have had to leave two shovels out.
One at the bottom of the studio steps for when I head up
and one at the top to clear the snow that has fallen while I was at work.

A truck just made it down the lane.
But only the one.
For days now.
The quiet after it passes is perfection.

The already shortened daylight seemed to fade at noon with the steady storm.
Herself has bundled up and gone out to deliver the presents for the neighbors.
The fire is lit and the kitchen awaits.
Two tiny filet mignons, fresh asparagus from a warmer world away, potatoes,
shallots and rich dark olive oil, a wedge of brie softening next to the jar of pretend caviar,
and a special bottle of Clos du Bois Marlstone dusted off and opened to breathe…
and…
the power goes out.

And stays out.
Herself comes back with the report that the rest of the world is dark.

So, we gather up the spare candles
and debate the recipe for grilling steak in the fireplace
and settle in for our long winter’s eve…
There is a perfect peace in this unexpected stillness.

I think I’ll take the phone off the hook.