Sunmask

Summary

Matt Ray, a sailor and writer, shares his reflections on the beauty of sunsets at sea, particularly one memorable evening where the clouds formed a mask over the setting sun during his circumnavigation from 2016 to 2019, and invites readers to connect with him through his experiences and other works.

Abstract

In a poignant article, Matt Ray captures the essence of a unique sunset experienced during his three-year sailing journey around the world. He describes the sun setting behind clouds that appear to form a mask, an observation that inspires a poem reflecting on the interplay between the sun and clouds. Ray provides a personal account of his voyage, highlighting the countless sunrises and sunsets he witnessed with only the ocean as his companion. He also references additional poems and articles written about his experiences, and includes stunning photography from his travels. The piece concludes with an invitation to connect with him, suggesting that his adventures continue on land, with his eyes often turned towards the skies.

Opinions

Matt Ray conveys a deep appreciation for the natural beauty he encountered at sea, particularly the dramatic spectacle of sunsets.
He personifies the clouds as mischievous entities trying to 'steal the beauty of the sun,' yet acknowledges the sun's ability to use these clouds to enhance its own splendor.
Ray's perspective on clouds as dynamic elements that contribute to the ocean's operatic quality indicates his poetic view of the natural world.
His writing suggests a philosophical stance, seeing the sun and clouds as collaborators in a daily performance of beauty.
The invitation to connect with him implies a desire to share his experiences and possibly inspire others with his journey and outlook on life.

A Poem about another sunset out of hundreds seen on a circumnavigation

The sunset wears a mask tonight The clouds in the shape of 2 eye-holes Making the shape of a nose, too Another attempt of the clouds To disguise or lessen its setting Clouds always wish to steal the beauty of the sun Of course, the sun is on to them It uses the mask to its advantage Giving me another reason to describe its splendor

From 2016 to 2019 I sailed around the world and saw many sunrises and sunsets with nothing but the ocean on the horizon. I’ve written several poems and articles about this in the past, which I will include below. The poem above came from something I noticed about the clouds and the sun one night as the sun was setting.

Want to connect? You can find me somewhere on this beautiful planet, usually on a sailboat or with my hands in the soil and my eyes gazing up at the clouds. Or you could find me on Linktree.

Photo Credit: Matt Ray, Sailing in the Indian Ocean

Sunmask

A Poem about another sunset out of hundreds seen on a circumnavigation

Sunrise

A Poem About Sunrises on the Ocean

Clouds at Sea

Clouds at sea are like operas

Ocean Shots From Around The World

Images From Circumnavigating The Globe