Current runs swift Gloucester’s Cut Bridge Named for Richard Blyman Dedicated 1907 In 1643 he dug canal Connected narrow channel To outer harbor Raised for yachts Backing up traffic ScenicAnnisquamRiver Recalling the Indians Long since gone Killed by Pilgrims Connecting Cape Ann To mainland Back in the day Only way off Island Most never left Perhaps now and then Up line to Magnolia Not so far away Perhaps on to Salem or Marblehead Boston for honeymoon A Red Sox game Memories brought home Back lumping schooners Italians and Portuguese Annual blessing of fleet When Cod was God Talking to pensioners Couple on a bench Basking in September sun Mentioned my ancestors Legendary Beaver Dam Farm Nugents of Rockport Dim response Rang no bells Never get to Rockport They said languidly A soupcon of sarcasm Got all we need here Perhaps once a year Take a Sunday drive Meet all kinds of people When they arrive From round the world How long in Gloucester Ventured to ask Going on some thirty years Been any to Magnolia Nice place he said Up there some time ago Why leave though It’s nice hereabouts Clinging to tranquility Such a sweet city Fair Gloucester Safe deep harbor Home to guys and gulls
