The Launching of the Raft
'Twas on a day in summer
The earth was boiled in heat.
The residents of Buena Vista
,
All gathered for the fete.
From far and near, from home and pier,
From cottage and from craft
They scrambled down the hill to see,
The launching of the raft.
'Twas in July, when all did spy ,
Two horses grey and neat,
And Corky Dobson following
With strong and able feet.
The sand was deep, the raft was
bogged
'"Twill take some pull", he laughed
But with your aid we'll make the grade ,
The launching of the raft .
MaDerb was there with daughters four
And Shanks' two sons or more,
Connellons , Wests, and Hunts galore
And Crawfords 24.
There were children young and simple
And Women old and daft,
On the day when Corky started
The launching of the raft.
McKee and Norman took the pole
And raised the planks anon,
The horses strained and pulled
Old Corky urged them on.
Eftsoon the bulk began to move
All eyes strained right and left,
A shout arouse, the job was done,
The launching of the raft.
And then with eager faces
And all with one accord
Sleek bodies made their watery way
To try the diving board.
Some had to use a tire
Still others Ferry's craft
But all were very happy at
The launching of the raft.
(A. Longfellow - alias Hank Jansen - circa 1947)
