Scenes at sunset

It has been a dangerously hot day here. We stayed inside for much of the day to avoid the 105 F heat index.

Tonight I sought some refuge at the waterfront. There is a good breeze blowing as the sun is going down. I am splicing some new dock lines. The old ones are stiff and hard to throw on a cleat.




The cargo ships are steaming in and out of this port city. Now there are huge passenger ships coming to dock as well. I wonder where they are bound. The life of a merchant seaman is no doubt interesting at times, but the monotony of endless days at sea must be difficult. I don't think that I would want to give up being with loved ones by choice.



I like the quiet of this time of day. The wind blows through the rigging and makes a howling sound. In the winter it is ominous, but tonight I welcome a strong breeze. The flags are standing out straight. And as night falls, I can feel the heat of the day lessen.



Soon I will go back home, read a little, exercise, and finish up another day. My mother had this poem hung near her bed as long as I can remember. It seems like a good thought to end with:

A PERFECT DAY

When you come to the end of a perfect day,

And you sit alone with your thought,

While the chimes ring out with a carol gay,

For the joy that the day has brought,

Do you think what the end of a perfect day

Can mean to tired heart,

When the sun goes down with a flaming ray,

And the dear hearts have to part?

Well, this is the end of a perfect day,

Near the end of a journey, too,

But it leaves a thought that is big and strong,

With a wish that is kind and true.

For mem'ry has painted this perfect day

With colors that never fade,

And we find at the end of a perfect day,

The soul of a friend we've made.

By Carrie Jacobs-Bond