MY SHIPMATE

My Friend, we were shipmates
Many years ago,
On a tough little ship, out at sea,
But we were happy 'tho.

We were called to fight
For war to us did come.
In a land unknown that time to us,
Toward the rising sun.

And now God has issued your orders,
To that celestial ship above
Where there will be no wars, my friend
And all is peace and love.

Have my hammock ready, shipmate
For I�ll not tarry long.
I�ll meet you on the Quarterdeck,
With pipe and glorious song!
- - Tom Nance