Under a Copper Sky

About this piece

A two-masted sailing vessel approaches at an angle, its sails and intricate rigging outlined against a luminous orange and gold sky. The low shoreline and expansive sky emphasize the height of the masts, while rose-colored light catches the canvas and breaks into reflections across the water. A small curl of white water at the bow lends movement to the otherwise tranquil composition.

The story

August opens beneath a sky the color of heated copper. The boat comes forward through broken bands of light, its bow gathering a narrow fringe of foam. High above the deck, an American flag lifts beside the taut lines of the rigging. Rose and amber settle into the sails, while the distant shoreline remains a thin, dark edge.