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
Comments
Comment policy »