Grace for an island meal

the long version

Bless this board and bless this bread. Bless this skylight overhead through which any eye may see wheeling gull and blowing tree. One morning in Maine, three visitors travel to a small island. The day is clear and bright - its beauty a blessing. There are other blessings, too: a bright red fishing boat, berries and mussels to discover, the surprise of a wild bicycle ride. Best all is the joy of family coming together to share a special meal. Bold, color-saturated art perfectly captures the light and spirit of the Maine coast and brings to life this gentle prayer-like poem celebrating the simple pleasures of a summer day.