The Prow

I constructed the high and steep roof of my cabin into a prow that angles out over the front deck.  Early this morning, after waking in the predawn, I stepped out onto the deck and experienced the strangest sensation.  Looking up at the sky, I saw the prow of my cabin roof thrust against a wash of perfectly clear stars.  For just a few seconds I felt as if I were on a small ship finding its way directly through the vast expanse of heavenly bodies surrounding us.

When I first framed the cabin twenty years ago, I insisted on the roof prow even though such a feature adds considerable work and wastes more materials.  The sensation I felt this morning made all of that worthwhile.

—Mitchell Hegman