Shiretown

I see the Island

As a tall

Sailing ship

In open sea

Each of the six towns

Is a mast

Rising mightily

Above the listing deck

Canvas billowing

Before the

Stiffening breeze

I see you

The citizens

At the helm

Steering this massive

Yet sleek craft

Into the future

I look aft

Over the high

And broad stern

To see

The boiling frothing wake

Left by all

Who have steered

Our boat before

As this living hull rises

On each blue green swell

I see the unselfish union

Of the crew

Working together

To trim the sails

To set the course

To guide the stately

Still beautiful craft

Away from rocks

Away from shoals

Away from unseen hazards

And as we plunge forward

Towards tomorrows horizon

I see the light of hope

Reflecting

In the faces

Of you

The stalwart crew

Straining to work

Together as one

Like our mothers and fathers

Before

And our children

Yet to come

Strive to guide us

Home again

— Steve Ewing, Edgartown Poet Laureate