CATHERINE HETTLER

when Mother goes to pick oysters in the island shade
the baby, left alone to watch the house
at the sound of the lullaby that the ocean sings
slips softly into sleep, his head pillowed by an arm

though the baby still sleeps peacefully
her heart races at the sound of the seagull’s cry
and unfinished basket of oysters upon her head
Mother sprints home along the sandy path

• • •

The pearl dozes, nestled safely in the soft flesh of the oyster. He is lulled by the calming song that weaves and sighs just within consciousness. He tries not to think too much about the lyrics; they often bring him to tears for reasons he is too young to articulate. Rubbing his still sleepy eyes, he instead drinks in the stars that glitter eternally above him, like so many gleaming moths fluttering just out of reach. The oyster murmurs inviting sweetness to him, calling him back to bed. Her voice pinches his cheeks, tickles his sides, kisses his forehead. But still he extends his arm toward the far stars, enthralled. Stretching, reaching, yearning.

Inspired by a Korean lullaby, Shhh is a sculptural centerpiece that references both the welcoming comfort of maternal protection and the wandering child’s instinctual pursuit of independence.

Advisor: Lisa Lapinski

Catherine Hettler
Shhh, 2022
Mixed media

TIED IN NOTS
Mavis C. Pitman Exhibition 2022

The Mavis C. Pitman Exhibition has been underwritten by the Mavis C. Pitman Endowment and the Department of Visual and Dramatic Arts.