In Memoriam

This post is to commemorate my grandfather, Rudy, who passed away on 1 February. He was a humble man of God, a family man, a man of community. May we all in his family (and he included more than just his blood relatives in his care) live up to his high example, and remember him with love and joy.

DEATH be not proud, though some have called thee
Mighty and dreadfull, for, thou art not so,
For, those, whom thou think'st, thou dost overthrow,
Die not, poore death, nor yet canst thou kill me.

From rest and sleepe, which but thy pictures bee,
Much pleasure, then from thee, much more must flow,
And soonest our best men with thee doe goe,
Rest of their bones, and soules deliverie.

Thou art slave to Fate, Chance, kings, and desperate men,
And dost with poyson, warre, and sicknesse dwell,
And poppie, or charmes can make us sleepe as well,
And better then thy stroake; why swell'st thou then;

One short sleepe past, wee wake eternally,
And death shall be no more; death, thou shalt die.

-John Donne

INTO THE WEST

'Lay down your sweet and weary head

Night is falling; you have come to journey's end

Sleep now and dream of the ones who came before

They are calling from across a distant shore

Why do you weep? What are these tears upon your face?

Soon you will see all of your fears will pass away

Safe in my arms, you're only sleeping

What can you see on the horizon?

Why do the white gulls call?

Across the Sea a pale moon rises

The ships have come to carry you home

And all will turn to silver glass

A light on the water, all souls pass

Hope fades into the world of night

Through shadows falling out of memory and time

Don't say we have come now to the end

White shores are calling, you and I will meet again

And you'll be here in my arms, just sleeping

What can you see on the horizon?

Why do the white gulls call?

Across the Sea a pale moon rises

The ships have come to carry you home

And all will turn to silver glass

A light on the water, grey ships pass
Into the West.'

From the film The Return of the Kings,

Original lyric by Fran Walsh