Viaticum

by Timothy Murphy

 A far green country under a swift sunrise.
—JRR Tolkien
Today I ordered Alan’s life support
withdrawn and thus fulfilled his written wishes.
I hope following seas and flying fishes
accompany his quest, that dolphins sport
about his bows, and that the evening star
halt in its course to guide him from afar
past the Enchanted Rocks and ancient fort
that guard the harbor of the Blessèd Isle.
There angels greet seafarers with a smile.