Our Gloucester, she exists in our hearts Its tales of woe’s and seas of gallantry. We could be far away, but of our souls Our Island we call home will never part. Its heritage more precious than diamonds or gold The schooners, and draggers and ships at sail, Ten-Pound Island and the mysteries it holds, Our golden sands, changing with the storm tossed gale, Imprints of life erased by each mornings tide, Seagulls with their young gathering to feast. Gloucester made famous by fishermen of the sea, By others who fought for the rights of people like you or me. Our Gloucester of today and its many challenges present That will be reached by Heritages pride and commitment. Our Gloucester is etched into the sands time By the symbol of our Fishermen of the sea; It makes us proud of our heritage is world known By the Captain at the wheel and the Leader of Gloucester’s Fleet.
the fisherman
Watching over our boats night and day With his hands at the ships wheel A statue of Faith for the fishermen of today With eyes fixed like glistened steel Many a seasons storms have passed by Since he was dedicated on our shore Through raging storms and sunlit skies The Fisherman has done his chore Our sands of time have taken its toll From the great statue of our seas Like the many stories of Noah often told Our Fisherman sets the spirit within us free The words that are etched below his feet So true to the fishermen in many ways When the sands of time are stilled we’ll meet Those we have lost from the oceans grave.
fiesta - reunion of faith
The smell of food cooking and filling the air Sounds of laughter from the children’s glee The babies in their carriages with eye’s a’ glare A time for families to fill the need Of sharing their faith during this celebration in time Of “Saint Peter” The great fisherman of the sea Families once more reunited in embrace to find Memories of what years ago used to be Fiesta is and always will be a time of Faith That the Fishermen and their boats are blessed So that the nets will bring a bountiful great From beneath the seas created by God’s caress In these moments of Faith we must join in hand In singing of Praise to this great guardian of the sea Who for year upon year is celebrated in Grand? For the richness we have in Life’s Victories.
gloucester's edge
Sitting and admiring our inner harbor I can vision the Fishermen of Gloucester’s past Names that are now etched at the harbors edge Of the Fisherman’s statue in sunlight cast Our harbor embraced by the colors of our nation With the many flags that stand along its rails This our Island of Gloucester God’s gift of creation With its Fishing boats and Schooners at full sail Street lights that mirror years long ago Tourists and City folk strolling on by Dogs of all breeds chasing at their owners heels Under God’s sky of blue and cotton puffed skies Its walkway filled with statues of marble and stone Of the our heritage of our hero’s of yesterday Fishermen and soldiers who made Gloucester their home Now a place for adults to enjoy and children to play
Walking on a Wave of memories - Fishermen’s Memorial Service
In loving memory of The Sinagra’s, Manley Webber, Ludwig Peterson, and all The Gloucester Fishing Families
I held the hand of the woman I've loved Within the wave of many memories I carried the oars of the Culvert for a father Loved By his daughter who walked along his seas In silence of Heart I thought of the Alligator and its crew Along with Aunt Margaret, Uncle Joe, Carlo, and Cousin Joe Both my wife and I remembering her Dad Manley the cook On the Judith Lee Rose, Curlew, Emily Brown and others too We marched the Parade for the Widows and the children Who still keep the Heritage of their loved ones strong? In our walk we passed many houses and buildings Of which those left behind still belong We walked on a wave of the flowers and wreaths That the Widows and their children will cast to the sea For my friends it is only the earthy remains that are beneath Their Heart and Soul are in heaven's throne of the Trinity
Rockport’s Back Beach
Photo: Copyright 2014 Bob Scola
Hidden along winding streets Is Rockport’s gift of God? The golden sands of its Back Beach A tourist’s journey of a beautiful pilchard The boats in view of small and larger craft The swimmers both young and mature What greater gift from God could we ask? Than the beauty of such magnificent rapture The erasing of footprints of adults and youth Replaced by the seas new creatures to abide In the bounties of earth and the sands of times roots Beauty is truly in the eyes of each beholder This is why the visitors return each year The stroke of artist’s makes its scene bolder Through the caress of the brush its visions clear
The Heart & Soul of Gloucester
Photo: Copyright 2014 Bob Scola.
Today I captured a renewed vision of Gloucester From the dreams of many hearts and souls The reality of our working Harbor front That our heritage of families of today will not let go The lobstermen hard at work, Fishermen mending nets The many visiting tourists walking on by Truly a working reality our children should not forget The Schooners and their masts touching the sky Gloucester Paint Factory and our Coast Guard station The Adventure with their students eager to learn What we have inherited from our forefather’s creations Today we view the true heart and soul of Gloucester Which in time more dreams and plans will come true That will enable our children of today to grow and prosper Through our wisdom so that their challenges be far and few. (Photo: Lobster Boat at Dawn, by Bob Scola)
in Remembrance Of Austin Connors
On the occasion of the dedication of the Austin Connors Memorial Stone, October 5, 2013
We gather in remembering an honorable man Who will never be forgotten in our Sands of Time How fitting it is that it takes place on a spot of land That he in his care clearly defined Austin a loving husband father and friend To all he met along his earthly journey in life Sharing his wisdom and Faith that had no end We honor his friendship and advice His spirit will live on from all his conquered deeds Through his teachings and the hopes that he gave Truly this memorial will be of many seasonal seeds That will bring beauty to surround this memorial of the brave
Stacy Boulevard
Photo: Copyright 2014 Bob Scola.
The long stretched walk from end to end Its memorial stones paying homage to Gloucester past A silent moment to my soul ascends The historic scenes to my vision cast In the harbor anchored lobstermen at their task So they can feed and nurture their young All they seek is a good catch today This beautiful scene of Gloucester beneath God’s sun The rushing tide of the oceans waves Disturbed by speedboats cutting its way God’s seagulls with their own sounds made Truly the work of our Creator we could say Ten Pound Islands its winged creatures taking flight With the Breakwater protecting our shore The Fishermen’s statue who oversees days and nights Our Island of Gloucester visitors come to explore Tablets representing thousands who have died Loved ones gathered to witness with pride The statue of The Fishermen’s children and wife On this beautiful Island in which we abide. (Photo credit: Bob Scola)
the Captain Lester S. Wass American Legion Post 3 90th Anniversary
Photo: Copyright 2014 Bob Scola.
We gather this day in great celebration Of the 90 Years that our Post 3 has served The soldiers of our Gloucester since it dedication With pride from its members historically preserved. Proudly named after Captain Lester S. Wass A hero that sacrificed his life so other did not die To be returned to their families they loved At home with their own challenges in life to survive. Our Post 3 holds many memories of history and fame - A. Piatt Andrew and the Joan D’Arc Statue outside - So many heroes that in our hearts and soul will remain That their heroism will never in our memories die. We also celebrate the dedication and the love Of those who gather in this moment of the sands of time Who from their hearts shared the spirit of loved one past That has helped our Post -3 to prosper and survive. We proudly salute all the women and men Who are still fighting for the rights of all to be free; That our prayers of peace for all fighting to end So that our loved ones are returned in humbled victory.
Harbor Loop
In years past Duncan Street extension With all its fisheries and bars The women and men - far too many to mention - Who worked the days into darkened hours. Gloucester Paints and the House of Fitz Henry Lane, Westerbeak’s and Beefo’s - these just few That have given our harbor its fame. The heroes of our fishing fleet and their families too A circle of hard labor for many years Now silenced by useless decrees. The hopes of the future filled with fear On just what lies ahead in Gloucester to see; There is hope in the challenge of others Who strive to accomplish a dream That was given to them by Fathers and Mothers In which Life’s goals will be won by working as a team.
Shredded but Whole
In skies of blue I waiver near waters edge All torn and cruelly tattered My staff broken and splintered The symbol of my honorable duty shaddered I was spit on and lowly cursed With words of hatred even by the young Stepped on and kicked just like a ball By teenagers out for a night of fun They will not stop me I will fly even more For I am the flag of freedom and glory Through many treacherous land I have soured The red blood of my stripes and each soldiers story Just as the field of blue at oceans near My white representing our countries faith The stars of all our great and beautiful states Under God's and below Heavens Golden Gates
Re-Birth of Burnham's Field
09/05/2014
We gather this day with families and friends To rededicate this neighborhood Field of Dreams With our own personal thoughts never to end On just what Gloucester's Burnham Field means It represents the hard work of our past and today So children and neighbors can be safe and off the street Teaching our young the true and fair way In the challenges of games to win or except defeat A place where little children can have loads of fun On all the new slides or swings of their choice In spring and summers longer days just begun To hear their laughter or the excitement in each child's voice Burnham's Field a land that many Veteran's had lived Also a place of our own growing years of our past May from this day bring pride and commitment to give Dedication of love and care so that this our own Field of Dreams will last.
The Re-Birth of the Holy Cow
09/05/2014
Welcome to the renewed and historic Holy Cow Where in the past neighborhood children would meet During recess from school or before marriage vows Or just for workers to take a load of their feet To feast upon mixed flavors of ice cream cones Sundaes and Milkshakes or Banana Splits A place where old friendships are renewed With the spirit of the renewed Holy Cow to uplift So sit down with family and friends To enjoy what our place has to offer A mixture of candy and drinks of the finest blend Where once children sat , are now fathers and mothers The children of today are the leaders of our tomorrow May what we have bring you happiness and joy For this time we are blessed by God to borrow The company of your presence to enjoy
happy 10th anniversary, george's!
We celebrate with community pride and joy The ten years that we have been able to share. Each day that we have been able to eat and enjoy The meals so expertly cooked and prepared. In recognition of George’s dedicated cooks and crew - Each with their own special talents and style - For the laughter and friendships found and renewed, The daily talks of wisdom of our City and our youth compiled. Through the years there have been good times and sad With the loss of those of family and friends in Heaven above. Through their spirit and the Faith that they had George’s continues to serve with its heritage of Hope and love. In its first days George’s was a Coffee Shop to meet and greet; Today it’s a place to enjoy and eat in true family style. So, just relax as the friendly staff guides you to your seat As you are gifted with the spirit of Friendship that will last a long while.
Beauport - A hotel of Gloucester's new Horizon
11/15/2015
We gather this day to break ground for our future Along the Pavilion that has many celebrations of the past Hand to hand we unite of feelings to want to nurture The growth of our City guided by it past We stand at the shore to dig into the earth To dedicate this site at the sands of time rebirth A place where visitors and families can stay As they experience our City so historic and great Beauport again a name in our heritage and past Such as Beauport House along our Eastern Point Now in this breaking ground celebration Our Gloucester will have more treasures to anoint Today we leave many imprints of steps along the sand That will be washed away in the next high tide It is in this dedication we hold Gloucester's dream in our hands For all future visitors to relax and abide To the children that play in the golden sands This is a gift from hard working people of dedication Treasure and protect this new gift you have in hand For it is not only a man made building , but it's also the Grand Architects' Plan
gloucester's main street block party
From East to West and in between Gloucester’s Block Party is filled with fun; With people we may first meet or have long since seen Re-united together with memories of the past and songs sung. The Fishermen and Lobstermen and blue collars too Sharing happy moments of heritage past Getting a taste of real cooking and many things to do A night to be shared by all to long last. Music and laughter and dancing in the street, The smiles of many happy faces, All the different varieties of drinks and food to eat Under predawn sun and starlit night embraces. This, my friends, is the true heritage of Gloucester’s years, That the sands of time will never release to the seas. Through good times, and, yes, in times of fears The future of our beloved Gloucester will be of progress. As long as we have Faith and believe, In August we again will meet on our Main St For the enjoyment of laughter and fun With more lasting memories of all we meet From friendships old and new begun.
gloucester's triangle of heroes
Written for the dedication of the site for the Gloucester World War II Memorial May 30, 2005
We break ground to honor Gloucester’s heroes, The dedicated veterans of World War II. We gather in this triangle of vision Through the work of living veterans long due. From the pen of Mayor Charles Brown To the dedication we share in today The Honorable Ralph B. O’Maley renown In witness of heroes of that time, this day Today this circle in hearts becomes a triangle The reflections of these heroes of Gloucester’s past Through the vision of World War II soldiers here The reality of this memorial is dyed and cast. As the cadence is heard and the bugle sounds We give praise to God for all veterans of World War II. Let the Flag of Freedom in glory be flown As this vision of Gloucester’s World War II veterans vision comes true.
sunrise
The sunrise reflecting on the morning tide A flock of sparrows perched upon a wooden fence An American eagle soaring across the sky Man’s best friend by his owner’s side in perfect cadence A first digger of clams working the flats Our Fishing Fleet at full labor Lobstermen making ready to set their traps The gifts of nature blooming in full flavor Monuments and statues carved in granite and stone Our countries flag flying in the morning breeze The MIA flag always at searching stance Telling our beloved in our hearts they're not alone. Visions are also within my heart and soul That our children should never live in fear This above all else is the prayer my words unfold It is the vision that I see so sharp and clear.
Niles Beach Sunset
06/01/1988
I gaze upon the Sunset On this Islands golden sand As it reflects through its inlet The beach smoothed out by tide’s hand The shimmering of the sea As the sun begins to settle west Boats sailing through winter breeze As darkness is at the water’s crest The Giant waves begin to pound on shore As night’s temperature starts to fall Nature’s creatures begin to sing The song of love’s first mating call What a grand and glorious sight That our father in heaven has given me I can just imagine how beautiful and bright God’s hallowed home will be.
alligator
As I look upon the ocean view One thought comes to my mind Of the loss of the Alligator and her crew The answers to questions to find I can remember Captain Carlo, a gentle man A teacher of the Fishing Craft He was always ready to give others a helping hand To those who were to shy to ask We question the acts of God and his way Although he must have had cause to take The crew of the Alligator to eternity stay Until the Day of Judgment to awake For now dear lord I pray this night To comfort those, these men left behind Help them in their voyage to find your great light The answers we seek in you to find.
the train depot
Looking at my memories of the past Gloucester’s Train Depot comes to my mind Of the many friendships to last Some today so hard to find The Shoe Shine stand I worked each day With customers of the city and Hollywood fame Such as Mayor Corliss with words of wisdom to say Arthur Godfrey, Roger W. Babson just two by name The Ticket man, Roger Edwards a true friend Bunny at the Newspaper Stand with the candy he gave Sophie Tucker who once in a while dropped by to lend A few words of encouragement to save The trains they come, and then pass me by With passengers from all life works of life But the greatest of these were of my prayers to God on high That in childhood was cut from me like a knife My dear mother returned it was not a dream That I lived through the first ten years of my youth The crying has ended and so has the screams At last at this depot I have learned the truth.
Austin Connor's Gloucester's Legacy
02/22/2010
The winds of change has again taken its toll By the loss of this man Gloucester's own Legacy of strength and mentor to many With stories of courage and pride to be told I can picture him now as he lovingly planted The seeds of various flowers The many happy times spent in his store As he labored with his team for hours At this time we can all envision falling tears From the many family and friends he embraced Knowing Austin he would not want you to be in fear For he is meeting his Saving grace The tides of time are like the morning wind That will wipe the imprints of life away In our hearts and minds what he left behind Be in our memories to live
granite Pier
The ravaging roar of the incoming tide With sailboats being tossed along In this Northeast storm and strong winds that cry As it smashes into the majestic granite strong Condo’s and cottages perched on the rocks above Lobster traps and skiffs hugging the pier A treasure of nature’s gift of love This storm of rage our bodies fear White caps of the ocean reaching to explore This tiny inlet and wind tossed mist The tourists venture along the storm driven shore Lovers hand in hand embrace and kiss Boats and skiffs of different sizes and colors With hand made ties of rope to anchor them fast Trying to protect them from the stormy weather Which the sands of time have seen fit to cast
peterson's pit
Through winding road at its end Sit beautiful cabins small Encircled by water that blends Is a pit to swim for all? I can imagine all the fun That was had there through the years Basking below the sun With all nature’s animals to hear The laughter of children as they play As the hotdogs cook over the fire Gathered together this fine day Let the love of nature be your desire As the sun settles, in the West Let nature’s gift stay with you For God ken owes what is best His gift of nature is heaven’s preview.
annisquam village
Photo: Copyright 2014 Bob Scola
Its winding roads at the rivers bend With the many historic homes along its way The many blooming flowers and the wind to send The perfumed scent of nature to the soul to convey The twisting river as it spills out into the ocean Village children laughing and playing along its banks Tourists partaking of its arts and the emotion Of which we have our Father of creation to thank The tree lined roads of Oak and Elm’s With the playful squirrel jumping from limb to limb God’s blessing of the Faith born sparrows The Village Church and its parishioners within The hustle and bustle of elders and youth Each Villager tending to their crafts Proud to abide in inlet of the inherited roots Of their founding fathers of years long past
to walk with pride
Written for the annual Pride Stride to benefit non-profits on Cape Ann.
On this day of September of eighty eight You have joined with your city to share To support the cause who's needs so great A time we all show our pride and care The rewards of this day is a treasure beyond compare As you walk in pride along our golden shore It's just a little of your time that is asked Supporting the various charities and nature to tour The greatest gift that we can give Is Time to our fellow beings The clothes on ones back or children to feed All one has to do is keep on believing
The fisherman's wife
In our gathering of endless hope and love We celebrate Gloucester’s Symbol of Faith The Fisherman’s wife who reflects the spirit above That rest in the promise of Jesus for all that await Our symbol crafted by a woman’s hand That has captured the heart and soul of us all As people cross through American and Foreign land To experience the heritage that her stature recalls That of the many Families who have lost to the sea Their Loved ones for whose sacrifice we have survived It is in this our symbol of Faith that sets our spirits free To continue to keep the memories of those we lost alive We pay tribute to St. Peter, Patron Saint of the sea
Celebrated Leadership
Photo: Copyright 2014 Bob Scola.
Build not for today alone, but tomorrow as well
On this first day of our new year We celebrate with those we have chosen to lead Our city built from all yesterday’s combined With all it happiness and tears. We celebrate the challenges, giving thanks to our past, In reflection of our brave Fishermen Of which our city's destiny was cast. We now gather in our circle of Faith renewed That those we chose will help our city grow Combined with their dedication Gloucester’s goals will come true From the teachers in our schools to the very heritage in which Gloucester is sowed. Moving forward by not looking back We will meet the challenges of tomorrow and today - By trusting those we have elected to serve In each of their wisdom to lead the way.
Our Gloucester Treasures
As I sit and look back on my Gloucester Treasures Many points of Beauty come to my mind, Such as the beaches of golden sands there endless measures Or the changing of the tide its cleansed sands to find. Each woodland trail and its endless bends. The creatures of our earth and overhead skies, Our Captain at the wheel and the tablets at each end His family in search on western side. My treasures of Gloucester and its inheritance to be Built from the children we have nurtured and loved; The gift of our Freedom from men and women over land and sea By the guidance of our Faith in our Lord above. My Treasures of Gloucester is the beauty to view From its vision that revolves in my heart and soul With each new morning and my Faith renewed In my twilight years that now are my greatest treasure to hold.
My Journey upon the Sands of time
08/24/2014
The Gloucester Train Depot and shoes to shine, Running in and out of the Depot Cafe, Nelsen's Candy and Station Lunch to find The greatest of Fried Dough and Doughnuts to eat. From the train to City Hall shining Mayor Corliss shoes To moving down onto Duncan street Meals at The Hesperus or Cape Ann Diner with no time to lose, Wanting to move along for new customers to greet. The years passing by like the hourglass sands With the Urban Renewal beckoning fast, Fishermen's Institute and all men's tales To my heart and soul forever cast. Growing in years too old for the bars, Graduating to working at Nat's Shoe Shine and Repair, The sands of hourglass now running fast Finding myself at City Hall and my old boss Freddy Kyrouz there. I will never forget this journey upon the Sands of Time For I will share it with our youth the best way that I can In searching for the right words or expressions I find It will come to me easy by believing in the Masters Plan
A tribute to sarah
Bumma! A name that would bring faith and love A mother, grandmother aunt, and sister Truly to all she was like an angel from above In our continued journey in life we’ll miss her Sarah, a name of her given birth, A reflection of earth’s diamonds and gold, An adventurous Lady who passed on wisdom worth More than Life’s treasures to behold, In the Crossroads of Life we will always remember Her Laughter and Hugs and whimsical smile. She was the radiant heat from her heart descended That will live to those left behind for a long while. Sarah “Bumma” would not want us to be sad In her faith she knew all life’s challenges are won. Through the love of her God she is at eternal peace With her Promise of Jesus where there is no darkness But eternal life in heaven’s light begun.
Tribute to Freddie Kyrouz
The sands of time have been swept away By the sadness of the ocean's tide; The son of God was heard by Freddie that day To come to his Father's Heaven to abide. He had labored through his earthly time To give sunshine and happiness to all he met. Each page of his life can be clearly defined; This man did nothing on earth to regret Fred was a provider, far more than any father to compare. He will go down in the book of Gloucester history As a leader of knowledge and a man of care. So now we must continue without his lead - Remember, his wisdom in our hearts will be daily renewed. Freddie Kyrouz to all he met has planted the seed That gives us our Gloucester its heritage and beauty too.
Celebrated Leadership
11/08/2014
At this time of approaching our new year We celebrate for those we have chosen to lead Our nation built from all yesterday’s combined With all it happiness and burning tears We celebrate the challenges giving thanks to our cities past In reflection of our brave families and Fishermen Of which our cities destiny was cast We gather within our spirit of Faith renewed That those we chose will help our city and state grow Combined with their dedication of reaching goals so true From the dedicated teachers in our schools To the very heritage in which our nation is sowed Moving forward by not looking back We will meet the challenges of tomorrow and today By trusting those we have elected to serve In each of their wisdom to lead the way