The Steamship Lines

[Jim Scott]

The Steamship Lines

There’s none can reach so far as we to every land you’ll find
Where man has left his footprint on the shore.
Nor bear as much to slake the changing needs of humankind
Nor touch so many cultures other industries ignore.
There’s none can cover all the oceans, rivers, seas and lakes
Or service every port beneath the skies.
For none but we possess the vast resources that it takes
To be the lines, the steamship lines, on which this world relies.

While empires rise and turn to dust our cargoes yet must sail;
Though fortunes change those oceans must be crossed.
As revolutions come and go and armies win or fail
Our trade must still continue between nations at all cost.
So while the politicians and the generals have their say
And play their mindless games that have no ends.
Our ships will still be sailing where they’re needed every day
For we’re the lines, the steamship lines, on which this world depends.

For where there’s need of commerce you will find us at the fore
Regardless of how far or what it takes.
Though overlooked by history the truth cannot ignore
How much was claimed by others who just followed in our wakes.
For trade it was that opened up this planet we now share
Where afterwards the settlers would be bound.
Was merchantmen, not fighting ships, that were the first ones there
That now are lines, the steamship lines, that make this world go round.

And still we face the hurricane, the pirate and the reef
Just like those sailing ships in years gone by.
Yet what our contribution has become defies belief
If thinking of how vital are these trade lanes we now ply.
But we know our importance, though some others might forget,
It’s proven by one undisputed fact:
There’s one thing on this earth on which the sun can never set,
And that’s the lines, the steamship lines, that keep this world intact.

www.caridiangroup.com

[Jim Scott]

Just as an aside, I was recently at the "Toronto Steamship Association's" annual gala where the excellent comedian providing the evening's entertainment tore to shreds the use of the word "steamship" in this day and age. Although I am a Brit and a former British M.N., officer, I have lived on the western side of the Atlantic now for well over 30 years working as a ships' agent and wonder whether the use of the term "steamship" is as prevalent on the U/K European side as it is on the Canada/USA side. Does anyone have any insight into this for me?