Monthly Archives: October 2009

From Jack Putnam:

Sadness tinged with relief for that old sailor. Rest in peace, Lars, and rise in glory. A comfort to know friends were with him at the end; I’ll bet that twinkle in the eyes were with him to the last.

I know Lars asked specifically for no fuss at his leaving of us, but as his shipmate of many, many years, I know he’d love a party. It’s not my place to say when or where, but I think it would be a worthy way to celebrate his time with us. Anybody got an idea? I’m good for a bucket of chili and as much beer as I can carry.

jack

From Gail Cooper:

I must down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and the sky,
And all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by,
And the wheel’s kick and the wind’s song and the white sail’s shaking,
And a grey mist on the sea’s face, and a grey dawn breaking.

I must down to the seas again, for the call of the running tide
Is a wild call and a clear call that may not be denied;
And all I ask is a windy day with the white clouds flying,
And the flung spray and the blown spume, and the sea-gulls crying.

I must down to the seas again, to the vagrant gypsy life,
To the gull’s way and the whale’s way where the wind’s like a whetted knife;
And all I ask is a merry yarn from a laughing fellow-rover
And quiet sleep and a sweet dream when the long trick’s over.

Sea Fever
By John Masefield (1878-1967)

And from Joseph Greeley:
Amen. Fare ye well Lars and may Fiddler’s Green be all it’s cracked up to be.