The narrator, Ishmael, reflects on his journey from comfort to exploring the world's waters. He finds Berlin thriving by lakes, feeling connected to the sea's vibrations, yet senses a vain struggle amidst the city's grayness, where bodies echo like broken light in an icy realm.
"Blue Fountain Pen" explores the interplay of creativity and solitude through vivid imagery of a blue pen, symbolizing inspiration. "Veneer" reflects on the delicate facade of life against a backdrop of a fading sky, capturing a moment of controlled beauty in Berlin's morning light.