A Sailor's Prayer - for Walter Cronkite

[derby378]

Walter loved sailing the high seas, so I can think of no better song to eulogize him with than this:

Though my sails be torn and tattered
And the mast be turned about
Let the night wind chill me to my very soul
Though the spray might sting my eyes
And the stars no light provide
Give me just another morning light to hold

And I will not lie me down
This rain a-ragin'
I will not lie me down
In such a storm
And if this night be unblessed
I shall not take my rest
Till I reach another shore

Though the only water left
Is but salt to wound my thirst
I will drink the rain that falls so steady down
And though night's blindness be my gift
And there be thieves upon my drift
I will praise this fog that shelters me along

And I will not lie me down
This rain a-ragin'
I will not lie me down
In such a storm
And if this night be unblessed
I shall not take my rest
Till I reach another shore

Though my mates by drained and weary
And believe their hopes are lost
There's no need for their bones on that blackened bottom
And though Death waits just off the bow
They shall not answer to him now
We shall stand to face the morning without him

And I will not lie me down
This rain a-ragin'
I will not lie me down
In such a storm
And if this night be unblessed
I shall not take my rest
Till I reach another shore

Safe passage, Walter. We miss you more than you will ever know.

:cry:

[billyoc]

1. Fair winds and following seas.

[Tangerine LaBamba]

2. Well done, derby -

That's exactly right, and very touching.

Thank you ....................

[derby378]

3. For all the talk of pearly gates, cherubs in clouds, and streets of gold...

...I hope Paradise has at least one decent sea for Walter to sail, his cares and troubles finally over for all time.

[Captain Hilts]

4. He rode a submarine that my dad served on. The crew had never heard dirtier stories

and language than from Walter!

Following seas, Walter.