Al's Celebration of Life

** [Copyrighted material:  All right reserved]

Sail, Sail 

Sunday – 19 July 1987

Galápagos Islands

Santa Fe/Plaza Island

1:00 Set sail for South Plaza. It’s a real wonderful sensation to actually be sailing. Things I want to jot down so I don’t forget:

     I suppose – like all things – we forget all about the things that are the most important to us from the time we experience them till the time we remember them – or try to.

When sailing on the open sea at night – the moon shiver on the sea seems even more mysterious and meaningful –  then, in broad daylight, the sun flecked foamy spray flies with even more kinetic energy – and grace – past the boat – it flies – it flies – it flies down the side – over the top – it co-mingles with the very air rushing up to fill the sails – the lovely sails.

And on dark nights – oh my God – on dark nights – the masts and sails perform wondrous and mystic dances – ballets – among the Southern Cross and the billions of other brilliant miracles of the southern skies.

Sail, – sail at first light. Watch the first bold rays of dawn bring promises – of a new day – Watch the sea sparkle come alive – listen to the wind song – how lovely it is when the day is new – and the expectation is of new life – of new wonder – and awe. Breathe deep – new life – fresh start.

Sail, – sail during the noon day brilliance – see the shadows and the color, – Learn – learn of Petrels, Shearwaters, Albatross. Notice how each small change in wind direction translates into surface waves and chop – how the boat and those lovely sails react to each small change –

Sail, – sail into the golden – lavender – purple – red – sunset. There comes a time when you mustn’t look away, mustn’t stop paying attention – mustn’t even breathe – for the rainbow – mystic fantasy just might disappear. There are those moments when the golden fluid color of sea, sky & sail become one – when the incandescent miracle of life seems almost too filled with joy – and wonder – to be true – when the time to be grateful – for the miracle – is paramount.

Then the darkness – the hush – the sliding – and hissing of water in the dark.

Sail, – sail through the darkness. Sail beneath a canopy of untold mystery. Where a speck sparkles and is measured in quanta, in light years, in billions – Where the very meaning of “brilliance” is as illusive as the glow itself. Look up – oh God – look up and watch the dance – so incredibly lovely. Find out how truly small you – and we – really are.

It’s a time for looking, for listening, for thinking – and wondering. It’s O.K. to be awed, joyful –  and just a little frightened – by the dark – small shivers are O.K.

Sail, – sail, – sail on through the dream passage – on open water – with eyes, ears – and heart open. Sail on, – the boat goes only in one direction – sail on – enjoy the miracle – home!