Tranquillity…

When passions are exhausted and weariness invades my body and soul, I seek escape in the precious memories of rare moments when I have found true tranquillity.   They include:

            Night watches when running before gentle Atlantic trade winds.

            Sewing sails while lying at anchor in a secluded Caribbean Cove.

            Paving the path that leads down to our river.

The first dates back to 1974 and the last, to this afternoon.  From my studio, a winding path leads down to the River Antrim.  Over the years, Denise has made steps (117 in all) down the steepest sections and I have paved the 100 yard stretch that leads along the riverside to our bathing pool. 

For the last hour or so on most afternoons, I carry stones up from the riverbed and fit them together as a never-ending jigsaw puzzle.  My hands are occupied but my mind is free.  A combination that is common to all my moments of tranquillity.  Here’s a section of the path – the river is right behind me.