By William Walsh, noted historian, author, and lifelong resident of Lowell.
Sung to the tune of 'Beverly Hillbillies' (hopefully).

"The Ballad of Boott and Bill"

Come one, come all, if you'd like to know
of the ballad of Boott Hydro and Bill Moreau.

From ages past to present day
are the many who'd say
in Lowell's canals doth abound
layers of trash all 'round.

Cups, bottles, and bags - all plastic
lend to a scene most drastic.
Shopping carts, tires, and bikes -
not all are ditched by urban tykes.

Upon whom should fall the chore
to rid the waters forevermore
of this debris-strewn sight
and make all things right?

"Not I" says Enel
"what the hell" of Italy
"Nor I" says Boott, a subsidiary.
"Cost is high for canals kept clean,
and what lies on the bottom can't be seen."

So into this canal-woven city
came sir Bill who said "Tis a pity",
But a group I'll form which I know
will never cave in before Boott Hydro.

Thus is born Canalwaters Cleaners
a clan which is seen as
both noble and committed
with hats and gloves outfitted
To cleaning and ridding
and all at voluntary bidding
the trash-filled canals of Lowell
Oh Lord, what a worthy goal!

So let this ballad be told
to both young and old
of people named Bill, Mike, and Nan,
that for Lowell: "Yes we can!"

And that if "art is the handmaid of human good"
Then heart is the foundation on which we stood.