Ferry Instructions

We wait here so you don’t waste
Twenty years learning to walk

On water. Haul on the rope,
Get in the boat, seize the pole,

And push your own way over.
We ask only one favor—

Once you’re across, leave the pole
On the boat and let the next

Traveller haul it back here.
If you haul all back yourself,

You’ll end up on the river
Forever getting over.