Where: The Russian Icon Museum, Clinton, MA

When: Saturday 26th May, 2012

Who: Ellen Rene, Frank Rene, Mike Cunningham

The ride out was a beautiful New England summer morning, traveling the back roads through Dunstable farmland, Pepperell’s river, Groton’s private school country, Harvard and then through Bolton to Clinton. A nice but fairly short ride. At the museum we were lucky enough to tag along with a group led by a Greek Orothodox priest who knew his Icons and a knowledgeable guide. We also got to meet the owner who explained how he got started.

This was a wonderful 3 or so hours spent there, and we could have spent more. Truly a treasure.

After the visit, we headed out to Flint’s Corner restaurant for their now world famous Steak Tip Dinner, where we were joined by Sally, my son Ryan and my grandson Ryan.  Enough to get a vegan to change their mind. All in all another wonderful day out on the bikes.

A short poem written to note the day:

Icon

The face of God,

Looks on, piercing, timeless,

With eyes somehow loving,

Yet full of a world of pain expunged.

xxx

Humble, inspired painters,

Leave their work unknown to all,

‘Cept God himself,

Collecting glory and dust in the corner of a Russian cottage.

xxx

The story of my survival,

Is as old as The Exodus itself;

The glory lives on,

Now with your family.

xxx

Today, preserved with care,

Like the eggshells that help make me,

I can share my joy,

Alongside the history of my caring people.

Copyright 2012 Michael J. Cunningham