The Source Arts & Literature section highlights the work of our creative readers. All visual artists and creative writers are encouraged to share with us new works.
Poetry and creative prose submissions are limited to 1,500 words and should include a brief bio of the writer.
Visual art submissions should include at least one high-quality image or video and a very brief bio along with an artist’s statement that speaks to the inspiration of the work. The statement should include the title if there is one, the medium used and what the work means to you.
Please send submissions and questions to visourceart@gmail.com.
THE AUSTRIAN BROWN BEAR
Growls
and loves
the sweetness
of berries
I love
the sweetness
of her body
Do not predict
interpret
comprehend
the tea leaves
of what she says
Follow the
rushing ice
blue river
the bramble
of berries
The direction
will be
revealed
WHALING SHIP PEQUOD
Pip’s
Overboard.
Lost in
innermost
azure
immensity.
Flat to horizon
light breeze
blowing
west.
Moby Dick
the metaphorical
beast lurks
below.
Pip
rescued
temporarily.
The leviathan
rams
the ship.
Captain Ahab
and crew die.
Ishmael
Floating on
a coffin
saved
to bear witness.
The story
dissolves
in the deep
blue sea
of my heart
salt and blood.
Ever
present
The white whale
sounds.
THE FISHING GUIDE
It was just
the two of us
bone-fishing
on the sand flats
of Anegada.
It swam
under the boat,
a giant sea turtle.
A moment later
it lay in the skiff
on its back flippers
beating the air
as if it could fly.
The fishing guide
looked into my eyes “it’s to feed my family”
He said.
All these years later
like the curse
of the ancient mariner,
I cannot forget
that creature.
Brains, heart
and flesh eaten.
It’s beautiful shell
a polished lacquer
souvenir on a wall.
Every morning
I swim in the ocean,
pour out your mercy
upon me.
I ask forgiveness
to the passing turtles.
In my dreams
a ghostly halo
of emerald green
glides into
the substanceless
deep blue of freedom.
Filippo Cassinelli is a businessman from the island of St. Thomas.
