Cat Island

Issue 15 : May 1, 2002

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Cat Island, South Carolina

Cat Island is part of the group of islands found at Beaufort, South Carolina, which is on the Atlantic coast and just above the Georgian border. The town goes back to 1725. The Marines have a Naval Air Station and training base there. For film buffs, the Big Chill was filmed at and around Beaufort. The local writer of great note is Pat Conroy.

In the next issue of bluetyger, I will publish some photos and more information about this wonderful part of the South.

At Cat Island, South Carolina

by the tidewater channel
between two islands
I sat on the pier bench
watching the water
watching the light
on the water

the dolphins rose
and rolled over
breaking the surface
shining grey curls
hunting for dinner
in the turning tide

I listened to them
taking their breath
and off to the west
Marines training
on Parris Island
fired mortars
and machine guns

the sky was grey
trying to be blue
a pelican and egret
showed the white side
of the morning

four vultures soared
over the darkened trees
black wings in the
changed sky

- William J. Gibson -