Verse 1 — A New Beginning At May’s last turning, I arrived, With work still in these hands, To Port Victoria’s busy streets Upon the delta lands. I brought my years before the court, My robes of scribe’s own blue, And hoped that in this river port My life might start anew. Chorus Oh, Port Victoria, I meant to come home, My place was still waiting—or so I had known. My rent had been paid, there was work left to do, And rooms I had opened to others in you. I left for a visit, with no last farewell; How quickly a journey becomes one to tell. Verse 2 — The Magistrate My first act there was joining hands In Free Companionship; Before the harder questions came, A promise crossed their lips. Then at my desk, the law laid out, I took up quill and page, To weigh what others brought to me With all my years of age. Verse 3 — A Home to Share Four stories rose within the walls, With beds for women free; I opened up my spacious home For more than only me. A place to settle, rest awhile, And keep one’s life one’s own— I hoped that those who entered there Would feel less far from home. Chorus Oh, Port Victoria, I meant to come home, My place was still waiting—or so I had known. My rent had been paid, there was work left to do, And rooms I had opened to others in you. I left for a visit, with no last farewell; How quickly a journey becomes one to tell. Verse 4 — The Invitation I sent the word beyond our doors: “There’s room for you to stay.” A bed to choose, a name to leave, A new start on the way. With common rooms and company, And shelter close at hand, Perhaps another wandering soul Could find somewhere to land. Verse 5 — A Visit to Selnar I sat among the Council Before I sailed away; Then went to visit Abraham, Expecting no long stay. “You came upon the final ship,” They told me at the shore. The storm came down on Selnar, And no ships sailed out more. Chorus Oh, Port Victoria, I meant to come home, My place was still waiting—or so I had known. My rent had been paid, there was work left to do, And rooms I had opened to others in you. I left for a visit, with no last farewell; How quickly a journey becomes one to tell. Verse 6 — Waiting for Passage The infirmary sheltered me; Outside, the waters rose. The bridge became impassable, The flooded harbor closed. I waited through those troubled days For word a ship could sail, Still thinking of returning When the weather should prevail. Verse 7 — The Message At last, they said the port was clear; A ship had made it through. I started saying my goodbyes, With home again in view. Then came the words accusing me Of choosing to depart; Before I’d even boarded, They had changed my journey’s heart. Verse 8 — What I Had Meant I said, “I would have told you If leaving were my plan. Why pay another fortnight’s rent?” I tried to make them understand. But every answer seemed to leave More distance than before; I’d waited for an open port, And found a closing door. Final Chorus Oh, Port Victoria, I meant to come home, I never set sail with the wish to be gone. Remember the service, the quill and the care, The beds I made ready for women to share. My chapter was brief, but my purpose was true— I gave what I could while my home was in you. Outro — Softly The ship was ready. The storm was through. I had been coming home… Until I heard from you.
