Elegy for My Father

Now gone, far across the sea

The old sailor’s final song has been sung

Never again will we see his steely blue eyes

Or hear his hearty laugh

The sand has run out and

Fate’s absolution delivered

Departed from this life

Passed beyond life’s grievous boundary

He’s stepped through heaven’s golden curtain

My loving mother’s gentle hand

Has welcomed him to his last reward

The young hero sailed across distant seas

Braved the fires and smoke of war

Stared down death a dozen times

Returned well seasoned and bold

Full throttle to victory atop his two wheeled horse

Before love tamed his wild heart

The master mechanic of the factory floor

And master of the house he built

He wove tales of mighty deeds

And was respected by all who knew him

He fearlessly guarded his corner of the world

There will never be another like him

This morning as I stood by the ocean in meditation

An eagle soared overhead calling for its mate

Although the world is reduced by his passage

We were all blessed by his longevity

I will not grieve for my loss

Instead celebrate his story

Writ across over nine decades

Find solace in time’s steady rolling tides

Hear his voice across the surging waters

Honor his welcome into the celestial pantheon

Know his noble soul has been granted eternal peace