is this dawn or sunset? maybe that’s the point. (okay it’s sunset, call the art police). “Isola Bella in Lago Maggiore,” by Sanford Robinson Gifford, courtesy of the Met’s digital collection. Image description: This painting depicts a serene lake scene at sunset with distant mountains and islands dotted with buildings. A few boats are visible on the calm water reflecting the warm, orange glow of the sky. The Met includes in its description: Gifford visited Isola Bella on Lago Maggiore, Italy, in 1856 and again twelve years later, painting the site numerous times. In 1868 the artist spent several days in the region, recording one of them: “It was a perfect day, not too hot. I have come to the conclusion that this part of Maggiore is the finest of all the Italian Lakes.” In this painting, based on an oil sketch “of a sunset on Lake Maggiore,” Gifford’s primary concern was with the varying effects of sunlight and water rather than a detailed representation of the terrain.
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Soft silky satin
Almost cold as it touches your nose
Giant packed pillows
Just there
Freshly laundered
Unchecked luxury
Material mercy
Lift me into this excursion of illusion
That this world doesn’t deserve me
Don’t rush me as I take in the view from the top of this hill steep
All this time catching up on sleep
I never expect to come back
So when I do I take my time, every time, and relax
I soak it in for every cent it’s worth
I lust to lay in bed
But if by some miracle I still make it round
Once again I will be here and I will relish every second
If only you could hold a moment in your hands like dreams were tokens
The way they took advantage you know I won’t ever take this day for granted
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