-- by Joseph C. Dorffner, Sr. - Copyright 2001 --
The Captain called in the stern line,
the bow rope then cast free.
She drifted out toward midstream,
this Pride, “The Lady Lee”.
Then came the Captain’s Order,
“Set half-speed, dead ahead”.
Her paddle wheel started churning,
as in upstream, she slowly sped.
The gamblers dealt with callings,
all bets on hands there held.
Whisky flowed as fountain water,
passing bys, whistled and belled.
Baled cotton on the main deck,
barrels and livestock as well.
Sparks flew from her smokestacks,
she sound, as a call from Hell.
Her life was as a Stern-Wheeler,
there on the “Mighty Mississip”.
Up and down this twisting river,
each week, she’d make the trip.
Mouse Trail Effect from: “DynamicDrive”