Where Masts Gather

About this piece

Moored sailboats line both sides of a marina channel, their closely spaced masts rising against a clear blue sky. Warm, low-angle light gilds the rigging and hulls, while rippled reflections soften their geometry. The open water at the center draws the eye toward the distant harbor, lending spaciousness to the crowded berths.

The story

Late June light settles along the masts, turning their slender edges gold. Boats rest close together, their sails folded and their decks held between lines of rigging. Through the middle of this gathering, a passage of blue water remains open. Small ripples loosen each reflection, carrying the harbor’s ordered lines into wavering threads.