From Panama’s tropics to Seattle’s bay, Two locks stand proud, in their own unique way. One spans oceans, a global trade key, The other links lakes to the Pacific’s spree.

Panama’s grandeur, a feat of its time, Gatun and Miraflores, engineering sublime. A pathway for giants, through jungle and heat, Connecting two worlds where oceans meet.

Ballard’s charm lies in a smaller scale, Freshwater to salt, boats set their sail. Fish ladders climb as salmon persist, Nature and man in a delicate tryst.

Both locks rely on gravity’s might, Raising and lowering vessels in flight. Water flows forth from reservoirs vast, A testament to progress that continues to last.