Mark C. Nuccio is an an accomplished artist, poet, and author with over 55 years of dedication to his craft. He has exhibited his paintings and woodcuts in over forty group and solo shows, including the prestigious Library of Congress, which holds three of his works in its permanent collection. His artwork is inspired by his deep love for Long Island’s ocean, bays, traditions, and history.

In addition to his visual art, Nuccio is an accomplished poet with over 3,000 poems written since 1968. His work is published in five chapbook collections and various poetry publications, and he is known for his ability to capture the essence of Long Island’s natural surroundings in his writing.

Nuccio is also a prolific writer of essays and articles on maritime history, environmental issues, and boating. He has published over 130 pieces to date and is a well-respected voice in these fields.

Here's his most recent poem:

NIGHT WATCH OF THE EGRET
_________________________

Like Hamlet waiting the return of his murdered father's ghost upon the battlement's of Elsinore,
a white Egret stands watch over increasingly challenged wetlands
by those who think who think they are valueless, except for their own greedy monetary gain.

The Egret moves with stealth.
September's full moon rises above the bog.
Its brightness accenting the Egret's white feathers.
It raises it's head and curves it's
impressive long neck.
It's commanding call announces defiantly-
"This is my and my heirs kingdom!
The more you steal and greedily build upon, the closer you condemn yourselves to vanishing in the environmental disaster you've long been warned is coming and choose to ignore"!
Then the night goes silent as the
full moon descends.

The sun brings warmth as it rises.
The Egret's feathers reflect the rose tinge of dawn as it spreads its wings and flies off.
It will return at evening to keep watch
over the wetlands battlements once more.
You will find that Egret on guard each night until it migrates.
It's something the Egret must do
until we do, before it's too late.

Copyright 2025 by Mark C. Nuccio
All rights reserved.