Eulogy for the Albion ferries
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Updated: July 28, 2009 4:38 PM
July 7 1957 – July 28, 2009
There are moments in the passage of time when the past
Collides with the present
and loses.
Five-sailing wait, freight train lumbering past on the North;
Mosquito frenzy to the South
Green light – gate swings
Starboard, port or centre lane
Hydrodynamic as callboard boxes, diesels throb, The scrape of Jacob Marley chain across the decks Propellers turn
Bobbing logs,
A silent seal slyly circling the fisher’s nets
The shore slips away
along with text messages and ring tones
A brief connection to bygone water days
Radar sweeps briefly dance duet
Kulleet and Klatawa:
Ophelia-like sisters, as ones incapable of their own distress
lumbering workhorses
Carrying their vehicular burdens uncomplaining
Down river
Silver slivers gleam on American-forged wings Above the span that marks their demise.
Too soon said,
“That is where the Albion ferry once crossed the Fraser.”
Perhaps the rime of all ancient mariners.
Shelley Evans
Maple Ridge
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