Among Sleeping Giants

About this piece

An upright sea lion faces the viewer amid a closely packed group resting on a wooden floating dock. Strong sunlight brings golden and copper tones to their coats, while cool reflections gleam across flippers and wet boards. The central animal’s raised head interrupts the overlapping curves of reclining bodies, lending alertness to an otherwise languid scene.

The story

Late June light settles over a dock crowded with resting bodies. One sea lion holds its head above the others, whiskers bright against the dark curve of a neighbor’s back. Broad flippers spill over the timber edge, nearly meeting the rippling water. Within this close gathering, a small space remains for wakefulness.