Gloriana

Gloriana
(Goelet Cup Race of 1892)
Anthony Blake, Oil, 2000

The snow-tipped, blue-grey peaks
dance under a cloudless sky.
The sloop slices through the crests
spray, thrown aside,
the thrill of a close race.

Crew scurries to keep her moving
for the last few feet.
She leaps over the waves,
the elegant gaff rig with top-sail
out the starboard side, with the sheets
soars over the waves.

The committee boat just ahead,
few more feet left.
Gulls circle,
squabble over a meal
only they could see,
as the black congestion
spews from the stack
towards them.

The finish line, so close,
yet impossible to reach,
time stands still,
frozen with fear
a moment of glory captured.