Cruisin’ the Murray, out of Olde Echuca Town <br />Is a riverboat of renown, jewel in Echuca’s crown. <br />Pride of both the River, and her crew: <br />Dip yer hats, lads ‘n’ ladies, to “Emmy Lou” <br /> <br />The sound of her paddle wheels splashin’, <br />Boiler blazin’, smokin’, it’s real old fashion'! <br />People linin’ the rails, their hearts fair a-thrill, <br />Experiencin’ an age long past, yet with us still. <br /> <br />Of later build, with her livery o’ brown ‘n’ buff, <br />She was made o’ steel ‘n’ red gum – (real tough!) <br />Launched in ‘82, by Hume Colville, Engineer, <br />She’ll be with us for good many a year! <br /> <br />With ‘er whistle playin’ a sweet song o’ steam, <br />An’ Paddle wheels athwart her broadish beam, <br />She’ll stir the heart of many a sailor man, and <br />Even them who’s feet have never left dry land! <br /> <br />Skipper perched high above, holdin’ the wheel, <br />In sinewed hands, with vice-like grip o’ steel, <br />Surveyin’ all what’s below, his kingdom domain; <br />Steamin’ through all kinds o’ weather, sun and rain. <br /> <br />Take a ride, mateys, it’ll put a lump in yer throat, <br />As ye ply Ole man River, up and down, afloat, <br />Listenin’ to the steam a-hissin’ and engine-room bell <br />Drinkin’ in the red gum smoke’s enticing smell. <br /> <br />Visions ‘ll come floodin’ by, in greater measure, <br />Of boats ‘n’ skippers now gone, things to treasure. <br />So, get yerself aboard, mark me words, it’s true… <br />She’s worth the ride, good old “Emmy Lou! ”<br /><br />Charles Flesfader<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/emmy-lou/
