Recalling ...

Beken of Cowes 1899 taken from the print in frame presented to me upon relinquishing command to take up another command

Have no fear at this passing hour

I have slipped beyond the veil,

That is all.

I am just here,

Just the other side of this

Beautiful silken lace.

The air is soft,

The breeze is warm.

All of us are here.

Revitalised,

Resurrected,

Resplendent

In our youth and vitality again.

None of us is lost.

So have no fear at the sight of blood.

Fear not its spattering around the walls.

No pain was felt.

I passed at the speed of light,

The merest flick of a light switch.

It matters not how long I lay there.

No one is to blame.

It matters not to look for blame.

Rather carry on my mantle.

Take up my baton.

I have run the race,

I have fought the fight,

And in my last skirmish

I was within the Light.

Yes, do not doubt what

You think, hear and see.

Trust your feelings.

Follow your instincts

I see my children, all of you,

My sons, 

My grand-daughters,

My grandsons and great-grandsons,

My nephews and nieces …

Carry on my name.

Carry on my life’s work.

Do good to others.

And, yes, turn the other cheek too …

But be no one’s fool!

See my life as just beginning.

Glorious, Resplendent, Everlasting.

See my ship’s masts

And look!

My sails are full-blown

And hoisted to the wind again.

The jack flies behind me.

My course is set,

I am never alone.

I have taken a step back,

That’s all.

When you walk the gardens again

This spring and summer

And the boys play round the boathouse

And pull the tarpaulin for

The summer launch,

I'm there right with you still.

And in the wind, you'll hear

My laugh as always.

So come on.

Brace yourselves!

Stand tall.

Be happy.

And rejoice at the life well lived.

Give no thought about my means of exit.

I went from impenetrable darkness into

Everlasting light.

And yes you did feel something

Featherlike on your cheek … …

25 June 2023
All Rights Reserved

© 2023 Kenneth Thomas Webb

First Written 11 February 2014

First Published at the time of the Farewell Service today 1.45 pm UK GMT Monday 24 February 2014

My thanks Beth to the wonderful advice you have given me over the decades, the first loan you and John gave me to help me to buy my "Rolls Royce" - and for being the wonderful Grandmother and Great-Grandmother that you are.

It matters not as we commemorate your passing this hour ~ the reality is that you are only just beyond the veil, closer than ever.

It was you who taught me the meaning of the important salutation "with affection" in the garden by the boathouse a long time ago.

Remember?

Where your 'football team' now plays!

With affection

Ken

The main image is the New Brighton and Wallasey Front opposite Liverpool Waterfront. Beth grew up in New Brighton.

Many a day have I woken up and seen what Nature has in store for me … Ah! It’s no good taking the brolly. It’ll be wrecked! Right. Heavy coat, long scarf and fast pace to Moorfield metro underground!!!

Then fast pace to Waterloo and with a bit of luck Copper kettle will have a welcome coffee before slipping across to yet another day of death certificates, wills, trusts, estates or setting up attorneyship or court of protection … with all the family squabbles in train … when do I get my money? Ee’s been dead three weeks and I thought coz there’s a will, I’d get paid within a week at most! All you lawyers are the same!! And you’re earning interest!!!

The tiny mind … … … …