My name is Carol Tarr.

Myself and my ex and another couple sailed on the Fantome in the early 70's. There was a first mate (I believe his position) by the name of Mr. Eric Thompson. He was from England. We stayed in touch for a few years after our trip. (Wish I knew what ever happened to him) He also wrote poetry. I am sending this one to you as I thought he wouldn't mind and you would enjoy it.

THE SAILING SHIP'S PRAYER

(by Mr. Eric Thompson)

Let me not pass O Lord, my watch then done,

A shattered hulk, with dull and rotting spars;

Let me not lie, forgotten in the sun,

Or dew-rimed 'neath the nightly stars:

But let me sail my billowed way again

with phantom curves of canvas tautly set;

Let me exhilarate in spray and rain

A tall stout ship, with lee-rail ever wet:

Let me them raise up landfalls new,

My helm strong-steadied by thy hand,

May fog and storm and tempest pass me through

Towards the ever-distant promised land:

Again I pray O Lord, thy peace be mine,

'Till resting gently on thy Heavenly slip,

I make the everlasting port of time-

Still proud and free - A graceful Sailing Ship.