My Dad, The Boatman

A son learns about his father.

My Dad, The Boatman

I never really knew what Dad did
I didn't think to lift the lid
He was busy all the time
His "down the docks son" was just fine

I did love his long black coat
Kept him warm on his old boat
He would wear a black hat too
Good for when a gale blew

Bored in the house one day
While my Dad was far away
I did find a coin of gold
It was not normal, strange to hold
A hulking anchor on one side
And a woman smiling wide
Upon her head, a mop snakes
Made me quiver made me shake


But soon I thought nothing more
And made my way at half past four
To my favourite tree so big
I climbed and clambered up its rig
Up and up, I climbed so high
Reaching further to the sky
But this is where I didn't think
I stepped out onto that thin twig
Down I fell, into the mud
I didn't even feel the thud

I awoke in lapping water
Began to panic, scream and falter
On the river, a boat came in
On the bow, a figure thin

Very soon, I saw him there
My Dad all crying, gaunt and scared
"Why are you here now, Tim?"
"Do I have to bring you in?"
"Zeus, you bastard, take him back!"
"I'll work the double, stay on track!"
"Anything but my wee lad!"
"He's not your puppet, one of your sick fads!"
The sky stayed silent, a swirling grey.
I used the coin and paid my way.

Off we went, my Dad and me
On a dark forgotten sea
The currents churned and ran and mixed
On the lonely River Styx.