Bitter Harbor

BITTER HARBOR The ships of fate come into Bitter Harbor And dock along its lavish countryside. How long each stays is up to where the dock is; Some tarry long, some others rare abide. If one comes in and docks at Bitter Harbor And is allowed to be tied down beside, Its cargo unloaded on the dock there, It’s hard to say how long it will abide. And sad to say, the ones who there unload it Are taking harmful cargo to the shores, For it has never been a thing to treasure, It only leaves a mark so harsh and sore. Yet ships have never had to stop and dock there, The crew can be refused and turned away; The ship of fate can be met at the dock there And be told not to come back there today. The ships of fate that come to Bitter Harbor Are overtaken by a stern command, “Get now away, for I have here a Captain Who gave to me this peaceful, happy land! I do not need to let fate’s dirty cargo Be let down from your ship now docking there And bring me many days of strain and sorrow And burdens much more greater than to bear.” The ships of fate that dock at Bitter Harbor Are never hurt by cargo they unload, But, oh, the pain and damage to the ones there Who take it down life’s long and rugged road! The more the ships unload at Bitter Harbor, The more detestable that shore will be, And yet the ships unloading by the dock there Are just as beautiful as they can be! They know no damage there in Bitter Harbor, They thrive upon the business that they do, They bring no limit to their awful cargo, And, oh, the hurt they bring to me and you! I want to do my best at Bitter Harbor To turn these boats of cargo all away And through God’s help and Holy Spirit’s power Destroy the dock they come into some day. Then all the ships that sail to Bitter Harbor Will have to go to dock some other place, For they will find no welcome for their cargo Should they my ports seek entrances or grace. Instead I’ll wave as they pass by my harbor With confidence my Captain will some day Return His vengeance on their harmful cargo At last upon the final judgment day.