Ships On the Detroit River

A poem focusing on the seafaring activities on the Detroit River and its significance as a crucial conduit for commercial trading along the Great Lakes Seaway.

The Detroit River, an artery on The Great Lakes Seaway,

Whereon massive lakers and cargo ships ply their way.

Upbound, ferrying goods deep into Canada and the USA,

Downbound, carrying exports to the world every day.

 

It is a Spring thru Fall venture, be of no doubt,

In the midst of winter, dangerous ice floes are afloat.

The bays and channels are often frozen over,

Icebreaking ships are used to smash the ice cover.

 

Sometimes storms and swells will upset a boat,

Rocking and rolling, attempting to stay afloat,

In the hands of steely captains, they prevail,

Most often, it's calmer waters upon which they sail.

 

The skilled sailors are guided by their captain,

Navigate their freighter and maintain direction.

Through the shipping lanes, beyond deflection,

To safely arrive at their port of destination.

 

Docking on arrival at the harbour of destination,

Piloted to the dockside with meticulous precision.

The gangways are set down, and the hatches all opened,

The ship's cargo is unloaded and made ready to reload.

 

An endeavour that annualises a multi billion-dollar benefit,

Providing almost a half-million secure jobs along with it.

Ports, private, and public are principal benefactors of this,

Providing economic surety to the cities with their business.

 

After the brief stopover, it's time for anchor's aweigh,

A ship must proceed swiftly to the next port with undue delay,

Such is the sailor's life aboard vessels on the Detroit River,

An integrated maritime business to load, convey and deliver.