Perry's Moon

What if Perry himself was here, looking up at this moon over Misery Bay? Maybe he would have said something like this:

“’Tis a scene most providential. The Monument stands resolute upon the waters of Misery Bay at Presque Isle, rendered in stark contrast by moonlight breaking through clouds of considerable velocity. The celestial orb, in its passage across the heavens, casts its silvered beams upon the Memorial, whilst the clouds race past with such rapidity as to create a most sublime spectacle. Below, the Bay reflects as if through the veil of time itself, silhouettes of what was. Monument and firmament appear as ghostly impressions upon the water’s surface, neither wholly present nor entirely past. This nocturnal study, captured in deep blacks and luminous whites befitting such a solemn subject, speaks to the enduring nature of Victory and Sacrifice. The Monument stands as steadfast in the darkness as our squadron did in that sharp conflict of September past. The hurrying clouds above mirror the smoke of battle, whilst the waters below hold fast to memories of that signal triumph secured upon these very lakes.”

This image was made on a clear night at Presque Isle, with fast clouds moving across the moon above the monument.