Ahoy! my lads, we’re off to sea:
A down the stream we’re flying.
The tide’s as gentle as can be
With fragrant zephers sighing.
So off we go, for the sea is hailing,
Ahoy! my lads, how is the sailing?
The sailing’s fine! no wave, no wind,
No angry tempest trailing.
The peaceful harbor left behind,
We’ve seven days been sailing.
And all is well, our hearts are glowing,
To home and friends we now are going.
But O! there comes a message grim,
From one who oft has spoken:
“We may not see the land again,
For something has been broken.
Alas, my lads the ship is leaking,
While we the port again are seeking.”
The captain’s face looks worn and pale
He trembles for the morrow.
His boat has weathered many a gale,
And witnessed many a sorrow.
But now, alas, her cargo’s sinking,
While we in solemn mood are thinking.
They say there is a heaven above
Where all is joy and gladness.
They say there is a hell beneath
Where naught is known but sadness.
To which of these am I now going?
I tremble in my fear—not knowing.
My father and my mother dear
Are with the Lord in glory.
My brother Jim and sister too,
Believed the wondrous story.
And now up there they all are waiting
While I down here am hesitating.
But O, my lads I have a thought,—
A thought so re-assuring.
Down in my trunk, deep down, I have
A Book that’s most enduring.
My mother gave it with her blessing,—
With hope and love her boy caressing.
“John—three—sixteen,” O where is that?
O, how my hands are shaking!
I scarce can turn the precious leaves,
But now the light is breaking.
“For God so loved the world,”—O, listen!
“He gave His only Son”,—now risen.
O, yes, my lads, I see it now,
To Jesus I am going.
To be with Him, forevermore
Where streams of joy are flowing.
He died for me, O, wondrous story!
And I shall live with Him in glory.
Let sink the old steel bottomed boat
No more to brave the ocean.
Our hearts look up and praise the Lord
With wonder and emotion.
To those I love I now am going
With songs of praise and heart o’er flowing.
ML 05/24/1925