This was an admonition given by a journalist at the conclusion of the classic movie “The Thing,” and somewhat echoed in “The Day The Earth Stood Still.” We may be amazed and surprised if we keep that watch.

The Bible tells us that there will be signs in the sky to herald the second coming of the Savior to the world. I was leaving from the Augusta/ Vassalboro area last week, in the late afternoon. I suddenly saw the sky lit up as if involved in a vast conflagration of vivid colors and effects. A band of very dark clouds was sitting over the setting sun. From this band it appeared as if wisps of smoke were drifting from it, mixing with the last rays of the sun. I remarked to my Westie that it seemed as if the sky were ablaze.

As I continued south on I95, towards Topsham, I was treated to a remarkable sky show for some distance. To my left it appeared as if an ancient cave-dweller’s stick drawing outlined a huge buffalo, with a skeletal head attached. To my right was a chain of smaller clouds, taking on various forms and shapes. One resembled a shark, the one trailing behind it a dolphin, which transformed into a bear. Soon, a very large dark cloud obscured and dominated the sky to my right. Soon all would be dark as night approached the area.

I am of an artistic temperament, but I doubt that anyone who saw this particular sky could avoid seeing the coloration, and forms that I witnessed. Even if these signs did not portend a spiritual event, they had enough of an impact that a driver could be well advised to pull over and safely take note of them. Many artists have been inspired by the sky and its mystery and magnificence through the ages.

I just bought the Weekend edition of the Times Record, and lo, and behold, there was a front page picture of the “fiery skies” that I have written about. Someone was keeping watch!

Vivian J. Kemp,

Topsham