Back and forth
go the ferries,
back and forth
from shore to shore,
hauling people, trucks and autos,
back and forth
from shore to shore.


Back and forth
go the ferries,
either end
is bow or stern;
good old poky, clumsy ferries
they don't even
have to turn.

Back and forth
go the ferries,
Here's a freighter!
There's a barge!
Nosing through the harbor traffic,
tugs and steamers
small and large.


Back and forth
go the ferries;
anxiously
the captains steer
poking slowly through the fog bank,
coasting, bump!
into the pier.

Back and forth
go the ferries;
clang the bell
and close the door.
Streaks of foam across the harbor.
Open gate,
They've reached the shore.