Ghostly Galleon Moon

Artist Statement

“The Highwayman”, a Romeo and Juliet-ish melodrama sets the stage with “The moon was a ghostly galleon tossed upon cloudy trees.” The dashing highwayman captures the heart of Bess of the dark eyes and hair, the innkeeper’s daughter. He promises her his return, “I’ll come to thee by moonlight, though hell should bar the way.” But when the red coats tie her up and use her as bait, she manages to shoot their musket through her chest to warn him.

My son, age 12 not otherwise drawn to poetry or drama, memorized the whole poem, and acted out all the parts for us quite dramatically and with great gusto. It’s a fond memory.

The dashing highwayman, with lace at his throat, Bess with her long black hair, the old Inn, the galleon moon, and the trees bathed in the moonlight. They’re all here.

Materials

Cottons, novelty fabrics, lace, paint, polyester thread, batting.

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