The Pirogue

The Pirogue

By Robin Lee Shelby

Cajun conveyance
Workhorse of the swamp
Weathered Cypress
Carrier of supplies

Platform for trappers and fishermen

Tied settlements together

Predated the railroads
Before oil was found

Railroads came
Then the roads and bridges
Lumber company towns
Virgin Cypress harvested

New channels dug

Pirogues brought men
To cut down the trees
Young growth untouched

Muskrats trapped
Fur for ladies coats
Moss pickers with long poles
The pirogue was there

Progress came

Numbers diminished
Some still ply
Heritage lives on.