For Sailors who have passed away

[Izenears]

If you have ever had to write something for the funeral of a Sailor and found it hard to find anything other than 'I must go down to the sea again....' I wrote this for a friend who passed recently so if you need something to suit the sad occasion, feel free to use it:

When my father laid my keel he laid it straight and true,

Honed with strength and leadership planked with values to.

My bow would cleave the roughest sea my scuppers drain the foam

And I set sail to voyage far and find my port, my home.

I found the rudder of my life and she never let me down,

We steered our course in harmony while we listened to the sound

Of wind-song in the rigging, children’s calls upon the sails

And travelled life in harmony collecting unique tales.

And when I knew my final voyage would end this way today

My logbook shows my life was full and I would never say

I missed the boat, I missed a chance I should have done much more

For I’ve been blessed with all I need, my life was rich not poor.

But every ship must have its day, a time to drop its sails

Returning to where it all began with ribs and caulk and nails

So let me slip into the sea to rest in quiet peace

Knowing that my resting place is where I am at ease

It’s you my loves that made my life you are my sea, my sky

If the heavens were my compass, then you’re the stars that I steered by.

Brodie Goozee 6th November 2017

[captainstubbie]

very well composed...

[CaptTom]

That's beautiful!

Thanks for sharing!

[SVRocinante]

Thank you!

[Kalinka1]

Very Very well said. Thank You.

[robert sailor]

Very nice, great job!

[donahue62]

Beautiful and then some.

[CREX]

After just reliving my wife's passing a year ago , March 18th, that really touched me. We met while I was a captain and we loved everything about boats. We celebrated the sale on 3/5/17 then her birthday the 6th. Life was perfect until next day when she suffered an embolism. Thought she'd make it but another got her in rehab. I write too but this poem of yours is beautiful. Thanks for sharing.

[Steadman Uhlich]

That's a very nice poem.
Thanks for sharing it here.

Please confirm, is Brodie Goozee the name of the poet? (For proper attribution in the future)

[GafferMate]

Me, too, deeply touched and appreciative. So sorry you've lost such an obviously special friend.

[grantmc]

Fantastic piece of prose that highlights the life not the death.
Sincere thanks for sharing.

[Stu Jackson]

Originally Posted by Izenears

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
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feel free to use it:

When my father laid my keel he laid it straight and true,

Honed with strength and leadership planked with values to.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Very very nice, thanks for sharing.

Second line, though, please:

.............planked with values too.

[JPA Cate]

Thank you, Izeners.

I subscribed to the thread so I can find it again. I hope I don't need it soon, but, I agree with the others, quite moving. The caring comes through loud and clear.

Ann

[Pollux]

Thanks for sharing!
That was really touching and just wonderful
Sorry for your loss

[philiosophy]

Very nice Izenears. You are a true wordsmith.Sorry for your loss.