Mystical Illusion

In the early morning darkness
lighting the studio
brings quiet time
for prayer and preparation.

At the workbench
sculpted melted glass
becomes a metaphysical
celebration beyond nature.

With hours of skilled work completed
the hot ball intensifies the creative joy
as the glowing glass is carried
to the oven in the state of bliss.

The oven door is opened
to receive with a metallic tap
a freed object from the pipe
as it drops into a ceramic-fiber nest.

A 40-hour molecular transformation
strengthens its inorganic existence
that radiates an ethereal halo
a mystical illusion.

-Paul J. Stankard
October 2020