A Fisherman’s Life

This poem is dedicated to the struggle of the fishermen From Newfoundland and Labrador who faced an uncertain future with the downfall of the Cod moratorium in 1992.

A Fisherman’s Life

I was born down on the east coast, on the Isle of Newfoundland

Like my father before me, you must understand.

A Mariner on the ocean, is but a sailor on the Sea.

And a Fisherman’s life ain’t what it used to be.

I sailed around this Island including Labrador.

I fished every fishing berth that was ever fished before.

My nets come up empty, My God what have they done.

So goes the life of a Fisherman.

Mariner on the ocean is but a sailor on the sea.

And a fisherman’s life ain’t what it used to be.

My boats on dry dock just rotting in the sun.

My nets are in storage of no use to anyone.

Still tomorrow morning I will rise with the sun.

For such is the life of a fisherman

The fog rolls in the harbor another day is done.

My boy’s all grown up a find man he has become.

But just like his father his dreams are yet to come.

through his saltwater veins flows the blood of a fisherman

 A mariner on the ocean is but a sailor on the sea.

And a fisherman’s life ain’t what it used to be.

My fishing days are over, the Codfish are all gone.

 There is nothing left to do but sadly move on.

I  look to the west for a wealth to be won.

We must be  more than a fisherman, our new life has begun.

A mariner on the ocean is but a sailor on the sea.

And a fisherman’s life ain’t what it used to be.

James E. Mercer *** June 1992 *** Copyright protected, all rights reserved