“The Ballad of Captain Rad”

Mattapoisett Free Public Library, Massachusetts

Etched, painted, layered glass, mahogany frame

“His boat is an adventurous thing that can ride mountains of water at will.

His boat has been in the harbor untouched.

This harbor… silent waiting for the return of our brother to take the helm.

This storm seems to have no end, and we haven’t seen our dear brother for nearly a year. Lost to the sea of sadness that so many of us these days.

Now it is OUR BOAT!

Tag her down and hold fast to your anchored and newfound roots. Wait it out.

No boat floats forever, but most longer than you or I… with the right care.”

-Tracy Silva Barbosa 2020-2021