Cruise to Melville

Cruise to Melville By J.B. Pravda

The Long Island Craftsmen and Other Artists League had planned their
annual cruise to the last detail, or so they thought.

No one recognized the peculiar fellow, dressed in piratical garb
sitting at the corner table that night. The program did call for exotic
attire during the Art &; Craft Extravaganza 'exhibitionist'
theme.

After an hour or more of the sometimes interesting displays of alleged
talent, the mysterious Pirate-costumed artisan began to introduce his
work: "Argggggh, me mateys&;#8230;&;#8230;.allow me to intra
deuce ya to me hearty companions in the open
sea&;#8230;&;#8230;." What followed was the fascinating art of
scrimshaw, carving of elaborate designs on whalebone.
"Yes, now, come gather round an feast yer eyes, then, upon these scenes
from a whaler's way a life&;#8230;..thas right, now; there; 'twas on
a night such as this that the Great White whale showed herself. The
cap'n a that boat was, my pappy tole me, name a Ahab or some
such."
Congenial laughter erupted that night during the colorful evincing of
this all but forgotten art&;#8230;..forgotten by most, save the
Whale herself.

Afloat upon a makeshift raft, the few survivors noticed the floating
corpse nearby&;#8230;&;#8230;it bore a pegleg on the right side
and an eyepatch over his left eye, with greystreaked hair and a
striking resemblance to Gregory Peck.