By Liz Splittgerber
As I cross the open water
To taste a bit more land
I’m in search of the “Dover” coastline
That other strip of sand
I left from Martha’s Vineyard
In the early light of day
I was glad to board the ferry
And was soon upon my way
The ferry kept on pushing
Through the water deep and blue
It made its turns, then straightened
Bringing the coastline into view
Long and wispy it seemed
Like a thin white stroke of paint
Homes and inns dotted along it
So curious and quaint
In winter there’s a quiet
Cape Cod is in its sleep
In summer it’s alive
Many homes earning their keep
The boat swings in closer now
And I’m awed by what I see
Historic estates resting high
Above any rough wave’s reach —
Like the Nobska Lighthouse on the point
That faces the morning sun
It’s awash with light and as the boat passes by
It signals my ocean journey is done
Born in Newburyport, and a longtime resident of upstate New York, Liz Splittgerber is a new resident of Vineyard Haven, mom to three school-age children, and wife of the Rev. Matthew Splittgerber.