WATERFIRE PROVIDENCE

Placid Providence River,
flowing by day
through its namesake city,
calming the view from
businesses,
schools,
churches,
and traffic.
Tying history to the
here and now.
Liquid blessing.
But, as the sun sets and darkness descends,
suddenly the River
becomes a golden ribbon
as the glow and crackle
of a hundred fiery torches
light up its waters
and pierce the deepening night.
Gongs and music,
Dancers and torch-bearers
welcome the WaterFire.
And crowds gather –
massive crowds on every bridge and street in sight –
gather quietly to wait,
to watch,
to wonder.
Then they wander on for a different view,
where they wait,
watch,
and wonder late into the night.
Liquid beauty.

7/31/07 - mshr

WaterFire Providence® <http://www.waterfire.org/> in Providence, Rhode Island, is an award-winning sculpture by Barnaby Evans installed on the three rivers of downtown Providence, which has been praised by Rhode Island residents and international visitors alike as a powerful work of art and a moving symbol of Providence’s renaissance. WaterFire’s one hundred sparkling bonfires, the fragrant scent of aromatic wood smoke, the flickering firelight on the arched bridges, the silhouettes of the firetenders passing by the flames, the torch-lit vessels traveling down the river, and the enchanting music from around the world engage all the senses and emotions of those who stroll the paths of Waterplace Park.  

We were privileged to visit WaterFire Providence® on July 28, 2007.  On the opening page of the website you can see a photo and hear the sounds of WaterFire Providence®. 

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