The Gondolier Poem by Jonathan H. Scott

The gondolier rows in his flat-bottom boat
In the mist of the old Grand Canal—
From hither to yon and to places remote,
Softly sings to keep up his morale.

He ferries his patrons across the lagoon,
With no haste—safe and sound through the night.
And, shining above will the stars and the moon
Guide his way until all is all right.

Still waters run deep, and the currents are rough,
Only smooth do they flow in his dreams.
For how can he rest (time is never enough)
With a course not as straight as it seems?

Though seldom a thought for his burdens or care,
He rows on, watching all until dawn.
His duty's defined in no book anywhere,
Yet, he stays until all are all gone.

And, when his last party is safely ashore,
In the morn he will be on his way.
And, he will remain, as was ever before;
But alone with the sun and the spray.

The gondolier rows in his flat-bottom boat
In the mist of the old Grand Canal—
From hither to yon and to places remote,
Softly sings to keep up his morale.