Ferry deckhand stares at peeling paint
Morning rain taps on the window pane
Thirty years he walked the metal decks
Now the silence drives him round the bend
Kettle steam rises like a ghost
Warmth that matters matters most
He served the crossing served the tide
Now he serves the steam inside
Taxi driver knows the rhythm well
Streets and water same stories tell
Meter running fare paid in full
Kitchen quiet heart beat dull
Kettle steam rises like a ghost
Warmth that matters matters most
He served the crossing served the tide
Now he serves the steam inside
Brass whistle blew at dawn and dusk
Now just steam in coffee mug
Uniform hangs on the bedroom door
Salt air does not visit anymore
Kettle steam rises like a ghost
Warmth that matters matters most
He served the crossing served the tide
Now he serves the steam inside
Proverb says the sea gives nothing free
Kitchen tiles do not ask for fee
Steam rises straight do not ask why
Old man watches moments die
No schedule now no gangway call
Just four walls and water boil
The crossing done the wage is paid
In steam and silence unafraid
Taxi parks where ferries used to dock
Driver nods at kitchen clock
Same hands that hauled the heavy rope
Now stir the cup accept the hope
Kettle steam rises like a ghost
Warmth that matters matters most
He served the crossing served the tide
Now he serves the steam inside
Steam inside steam inside
Kettle clicks the steam falls still
Morning comes on windowsill
