The Paint Movers

The Paint Movers. The old boat sits in the dry dock. Layers of shabby paint covering the vessel. The boat wears a mask of magnanimity, like a woman about to apply a mud pack. The old boat has a date with the cosmetic warrior's, who come clothed like space-men, in white overalls, rubber gloves, and goggles. She is being undressed, they delete the surface layers of residue. Exfoliate, her with solvent, attack her with the tools of their trade. Caustic scumble her hull. The old boat is being cleansed with a formula, scrubbed like a dirty step. The cosmetic space-men reveal her clean skin. The face mask has worked, the cosmetic warriors claim their victory. They hop about as if doing a moon walk. The years of wear and tear have gone. The old boat has a new lease of life. Anthony Slausen 5/10/2018.