Sunday 19 July 2009

A Sailor's Farewell to Captain Yusof Ahmad

Al fatihah Captain Yusof Ahmad


Sailor's Farewell

It's our time to go now,
: Haul away your anchor, :
It's our sailing time.

Get some sail upon her,
: Haul away your halyards, :
It's our sailing time.

Get her on her course now,
: Haul away your fore sheet, :
It's our sailing time.

Waves are rolling under,
: Haul away down Channel, :
On the evening tide.

When my days are over,
: Haul away for heaven, :
God be by my side.

It's our time to go now,
: Haul away your anchor, :
It's our sailing time.


Earlier today I received the very sad news that. a consummate seeker of the truth, a good friend, fellow mariner and blogger, Captain Yusof Ahmad, who blogged as The Ancient Mariner, had passed away in his sleep at his home this morning 19th July 2009.

The last time I spoke to Captain Yusof was when he telephoned me after the recent death of his dear mother, when he apologised for not informing me sooner of her demise; and now, sadly, he too has passed away and we shall not be able to meet again to yarn.

Captain Yusof leaves behind his beloved wife and four children.

My sincere, heartfelt and deepest condolences to them all.

Bon voyage my dear friend. You will be deeply missed and always remembered for your selflessness, courage, truthfulness, honour, dignity, kindness, humility and humanity.

May you rest in eternal peace.


Al fatihah.


The beautiful song is by Roger Whittaker, is a fitting tribute to

'The Ancient Mariner' Captain Yusof.

Lyrics

The Last Farewell


There's a ship lies rigged and ready in the harbour
Tomorrow for old England she sails
Far away from your land of endless sunshine
To my land full of rainy skies and gales
And I shall be aboard that ship tomorrow
Though my heart is full of tears at this farewell


refrain:
For you are beautiful
And I have loved you dearly
More dearly than the spoken word can tell
(repeat)


I heard there's a wicked war a blazing
And the taste of war I know so very well
Even now I see the foreign flag a raising
Their guns on fire as we sail into hell
I have no fear of death; it brings no sorrow
But how bitter will be this last farewell


refrain:
For you are beautiful
And I have loved you dearly
More dearly than the spoken word can tell
(repeat)


Though death and darkness gather all about me
And my ship be torn apart upon the seas
I shall smell again the fragrance of these islands
In the heaving waves that brought me once to thee
And should I return safe home again to England
I shall watch the English mist roll through the dell

refrain:
For you are beautiful
And I have loved you dearly
More dearly than the spoken word can tell
(repeat)


A Video by Jonatan Gronoset







Requiescat in pace


May you rest in peace

No comments: