Raf left with Miet and Cil a few days after my birthday. He had to go back to Belgium and the real world. He had spent a lot of time onboard, and become quite a good friend. Unfortunately, our goodbye was very short and quick, and I thought he needed a more appropriate sendoff. So I came up with this seafarer’s ditty one day after having a few Cuba Libres too many…
ODE TO RAF
There once was a landlubber named Raf,
He was Belgian, he made a mean rice pilaf.
He came aboard Andiamo merely a backpacker,
But he would soon become an able anchorman and tacker.
It all started in Mexico, at the Women’s Isle,
Things took a horrible turn in a very short while.
Andiamo needed crew, the captain asked everyone he knew,
But none can be found to board that vessel of blue.
Then two of the captain’s seafaring friends,
A Dutchman and a German who knew the local trends.
They knew the right man who can calm the pandemonium,
To all’s surprise, he came from Belgium.
But the Belgian named Raf had a dilemma,
He didn’t know sailing from his Aunt Emma.
But the captain figured what the hell,
There was nobody else from what he can tell.
So Raf came aboard, he adjusted and made do,
And he soon became quite the worthy crew.
Within weeks of Raf’s timely indenture,
Andiamo was off again for thrill and adventure!
Throughout Mexico, where there were many ports to please,
The libation, the scenery, and most times a steady breeze!
Andiamo made it through Mexico, not always with ease,
But still she made it on through Belize!
And for five moons, the adventures would continue,
New people, new sunsets, and many different venues.
Through it all, Raf braved on and stayed cool,
Especially when he added a new phone number or email to his pool.
The time had come, Raf’s tenure aboard had to end,
Raf had to go home and work his kitty back to a mend.
To Tony and the cats he bid his untimely goodbyes,
And to Andiamo, the vessel that had made him sea-wise.
So many thanks to Raf, who helped make Andiamo a fine home,
May he not take offense to this poem turned tome.
We’ll remember the good times we shared, even when no one is looking,
Yet keep in mind, that we’ll mostly miss his cooking.
Comment from: mietsie [Visitor]
Said it before, but it got lost so I’ll say it again:
ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS!!!
He’ll love it!
And he is loving it,
take care…
BM