Process of Harbor Reflections

For two years I’ve been wanting to address my fascination with watery reflections. I’m finally taking the time and energy to address this self-assigned challenge. Here, then is my version of Oliver’s work; these, my efforts to quench my thirst by sipping at waters, no doubt, flavored by the feet of seagulls; my sitting at the harbor of my longing.

Mornings at Blackwater

by Mary Oliver

For years, every morning, I drank

from Blackwater Pond.

it was flavored with oak leaves and also, no doubt,

feet of ducks.

And always it assuaged me

from the dry bowl of the very far past.

What I want to say is

the past is the past,

and the present is what your life is,

and you are capable

of choosing what that will be,

darling citizen.

So come to the pond

or the river of your imagination

or the harbor of your longing,

and put your lips to the world.

Harbor, Mast in progress

Harbor, Mast in progress

Harbor, Rigging in progress

Harbor, Rigging in progress

Focusing on these reflections and attempting to represent them is not unlike the sentiments of this song, Both Sides Now