The River Styx
For Phyllis
Most small boats get worn out fast
Woodbury Snow’s punts for the lobstermen
in past years powered by oars
a hand made kayak canvas over a wood frame
on Damariscotta Lake
There are and were small boats across Maine
each one a living museum exhibit
Mr. Sharp is worried about eternity
thinking another, bigger building
will attract kids for a maritime school
that has not happened yet
with the building he already has
my point is that the building will be forty feet high
directly across the street from our front window
that gives our house light and honor
what our friend, Susan Connolly called
a ten million dollar view
I’m quite surprised the architect didn’t come by
and ask us our opinion of her design
which affects us so radically
The Merriam boys had a rowboat built by a Snow
for a Billy ? from Boston, a summer visitor
and us
we rowed and rowed and passed it down
so many enjoyed it until it wore out
maybe the memory is more important than the skiff
our view more important
in our few declining years
than Captain Sharp’s dreams of immortality
so we hope he will withdraw his project
or the board will not approve
before we a are rowed across the fateful Styx
Kendall Merriam, Home, 12/3/19 12:35 PM
Listening to Phyllis make phone calls.
Event Date
Address
United States