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.)

03 In The Garden

“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