1 December 2006
Quiet morning
by Matt, onboard the Esperanza
[The other morning I found a few handwritten notes scribbled on small pieces of paper by my laptop - I of course assumed it was a passionate love letter from a secret admirer. It wasn’t, but here you go, I typed it. / Iréne]
© Greenpeace/Alex Hofford
The wind has been up all night, the anchor dragging slowly through the mud of San Felipe. Day break, my watch is nearing a close and everything is relaxing.
Now I watch the anchor ball twisting and bouncing against its halliard in the wind. The colours of sunrise are starting to mix on the horizon. I wonder which bird will take over the day shift on the foremast – scanning the sea for breakfast and soiling the deck we just painted.
The swell is rolling in on the nose of the Esperanza each time I rise and fall to the horizon I’m picturing the absolute quiet on the seabed. Maybe the dull sound of two or three links of the anchor chain clinking against each other as the bow rises and falls into the swell.
At the moment I think that would be the most tranquil silent place on earth. Warm water, mud and a thick anchor chain lifting and setting into the mud. The swell rolling above constant and reassuring.
This is the type of feeling, the atmosphere I get within myself after a storm. Especially when most others have slept through it. The calm brings with it such indescribable beauty. Like living in a dark cave and hearing stories about the world then walking out and seeing the sunrise for the first time.
Comments
Well, dear Irene. All alone on that magnificent ship with a person that poetic. I would'nt hesitate. Not for a moment. ;-) haha.
Take care...
Posted by: Johan at December 2, 2006 1:43 AM
I just wanted to express my sympathy for Irene when she was impressed - or bothered, or ... - with the beautiful and poetic expressions on her laptop. It had the same effect on me, years ago, when I was far away from home on a mission.
But you know what my advise would be? Cuddle up with the author and enjoy. I didn't back then, and I'm still writing poems about that moment... (and I got famous for them).
Love and hugs from Antwerp, Belgium
Posted by: Johan at December 2, 2006 2:04 AM
Your life sounds so beautiful. Like something you just can't loose in life. It sure makes one want to climb up with you up on Esperanza. It much be such a stimulating and inspiring way to work!
Hope you are all fine.
Posted by: Linda at December 2, 2006 11:51 AM
Irene: la belleza de tu alma se refleja en los Pajaros libres, así te te quiero ver, siempre en Esperanza, una gran parte de mis ser.
En este día , compañera, ponte alma nueva, para mi más bella flor....
Posted by: laura beatriz paroni perez at December 3, 2006 3:18 AM
you really have a way with words. you made me recall my own watches, the peaceful and reverent feeling as the sun rises in the horizon. now im wishing to have another chance at getting onboard, for a longer period, and doing all the 4-8 watches.
Posted by: pam at December 3, 2006 3:54 AM
Irene: no problem, dear, sigue el vuelo de las gaviotas, todos nosostros estamos contigo: equilibrio, y vuelo,a esquivar los ondazos , nena....
Posted by: laura beatriz paroni perez at December 3, 2006 4:50 AM
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