ST BLAISE

 

St Blaise is the patron saint

His image adorns the walls

Defender of Dubrovnik

Also patron of the throat

Once a year as a young boy

Two candles beneath my chin

Held tightly to form a cross

To celebrate the feast day

And to keep my voice from harm

The priest mumbling his blessing

 

We sail out of the harbour

Anchor a little way off

St Blaise smiles right back at us

From his fortress vantage points

He knows that we are harmless

The smiling boatman whistles

Steers us close to an island

Just inches above the rocks

So we can see the fishes

We clear our throats nervously

 

St Blaise is the patron saint

He's to be found everywhere

In the mouths of gun barrels

Or in the hysterical

Speeches of politicians

St Blaise pray for us we say

Protect us from all danger

Keep our little boats afloat

Sink those of the invader.