Ekphrasis of a Japanese Woodcut, Meiji Period

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    Ekphrasis of a Japanese Woodcut, Meiji Period


It is the late 1800’s in the Japanese countryside.

There is a sick infant.

And a river to cross at night in a small open boat to get him to the doctor.

The ferryman bends to the task, poling the boat with precision.

The boat labors through churning slate-blue water, but makes headway.

Mother bends forward protectively, comforts her baby wrapped in robes that also engulf her.

Her husband, a mountain of serenity and strength, is a calming presence in a fraught situation.

Life is a river to cross, swirling currents of danger, destiny in the balance, salvation in the moment.

 

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