If it is art

If it is art

it will build on everything

that came before it,

and it will add something —

the excitement of

the fresh curve of cresting wave,

bright froth touched

by this singular breath of wind,

the clean erasure of past footprints

and its new line on crusted sand

brought here through

swells that built across the sound,

carrying each signal

of ships, of currents,

fish and whales,

the deep memory of ancient water

and the surface memory

that knows the oneness

to which it constantly returns

If it is art

it will touch your skin

in just that way —

so much truth laid down

in the communion of your viewing.

©Wendy Mulhern

December 4, 2015

vessel by Jennifer McCurdy

photo by Julius Friedman