Song to a Town

You approach the town quite slowly from the water As the dawn arrives and bids the night farewell. You will feel the cold and hunger in your spirit As you see the church tower mirrored in the swell. You will sail around the cliff and watch the sun rise Shining light upon the high and sleepy hill, As the town awakes, washed in light and shadow While the other towns still sleep so dark and still. You will stand onboard and watch them throw the tow line. You can see the men who catch it on the pier. And you feel a chill as you leave the railing. On down the bridge-way, the town is very near. You might hear the hammers pounding in the shipyard Or watch the boats leave toward the fishing ground. Will they discover if it's worth this early journey, To rise up before the other sleeping towns? You must wave farewell to those who've stayed onboard now Be on your voyage. There are secrets you must know In this town that knew you once and held you closely, That owned your morning hours so long ago. You approach the town quite slowly from the water. You're a stranger, somehow, as you walk ashore In this town that hides old images and stories. Maybe new songs that you will soon explore.