i come to the harbor alone
Steve's Boat, 18" x 30", oil on linen, about half way through this painting
Every now and then, a very fun commission comes along. Somebody asks for a painting that is so out of the ordinary, and I usually tell them "Okay, I've never done this before, but if you're paying for it, I'll do it." And so it was that this fellow came to commission a painting of the inside of a boat cabin.
And there I was, at dawn, painting away, my easel rocking slightly on a boat tucked away in Bayshore. And as I painted, I realized that I needed to rewrite a certain hymn, as it is lacking somewhat in modern application. I saw Maurice Sklar in person, years ago, and he performed this very song on the violin, while I stood just feet away- and I've been in love with the violin ever since. To fully appreciate this hymn, please right click the following link and open it in a new tab, and read the lyrics aloud as Maurice Sklar plays the violin. (see www.mauricesklar.com for more information on this musician.)
"I Come to The Harbor Alone"
I come to the harbor alone,
While the dew is still on the main stays,
And the voice I hear falling on my ear
The Son of God to me conveys
----
And He walks with me and he talks with me
And He tells me that I am his own,
And the joy that we share, as I'm painting there,
None other has ever known
----
He speaks, and the sound of His voice,
Is so sweet, the outboards cease grumbling
And the melody that he gave to me
Within my heart is rumbling
-----
And He walks with me and he talks with me
And He tells me that I am his own,
And the joy that we share, as I'm painting there,
None other has ever known
-----
I'd stay in the harbor with Him,
Though the light around me is fading
But a cell phone call, says my infant small
His diaper's full, he aint waiting
-----
And He walks with me, and he talks with me
And He tells me though I'm in the zone,
It is only fair, I've painted my share,
I'd better high-tail it home
