34

A call has come we can’t ignore;
the bells of glory chime
to gather o­n a distant shore
a crew from out of time.

We come to grieve the many dead,
the shipmates lost back then
and as we hear the tributes read
our thoughts return again

to ports of call in foreign lands
a distant, brighter day
when life was held in younger hands
ashore and underway.

We listen to the bugles call
and wipe away the tears
as names and faces we recall
across the many years.

Now as the circle draws an end
forgive the tears we weep
to see our gray and weathered friend
committed to the deep.


~ © 2005 By: W.D. Neighbors ~




"I wish to have no connection with any ship that does not sail fast for I intend to go In Harm’s Way."
John Paul Jones to M. de Chaumont on 16 November 1778.