A Sea of Isolation | Nicole Hirt

Read by Veronica Butler

What is The Alembic?

We’re thrilled to introduce you to a brand-new chapter in The Alembic’s history. For the first time ever, we’re offering an audio edition of the journal—an exciting new endeavor for 2025. In this edition, you’ll hear every written piece read aloud by Providence College students, bringing a new dimension and life to the written word.

a lone boat floats
upon the pastel blue ocean,
maroon sail puffed by
an invisible gale.
oars slice into the sea,
their bearer’s features indiscernible,
but I like to think
he is no Captain Ahab,
that he is resting,
gazing at the white sun
smothered by smudges of purple clouds
but finding reassurance
that its glow can still bless
his lonely boat.