The Departure
She boarded the ship, with a smile and a wave,
And though she would like to stay
She bade us farwell and we watched her ship
Sail silently away.

We clutched our breasts and wiped our eyes
But she, on the vessel's bow,
Was happy and blessed, with no trace of tears,
For nothing could hurt her now.

A shining vessel, with white sails spread,
Sailed out on a timeless sea.
And oh the mem'ries of so many years
Swept like a flood over me!

We know she is standing with strength renewed,
In a glorious heavenly place.
We know she is contented and strong and free,
Greeted with cherished embrace.

Still we watch, as long as our eyes can hold,
"Til at last we must say, "She's gone."
But, we must remember that other shore,
Where loved ones are shouting "She's home!"

"She is gone!"  "She is home!" From two different worlds,
The evident and the obscure.
God help us develop our spiritual eyes...
Until Heaven, by faith, is made sure!

Adadpted from:
(C)  Joan Clifton Costner