So Dileas goes to her place of final rest. She was a fine, brave, boat and, although our time together was short, we went through moments of emotional intensity that few people have the luck to share.
Today the croquemorts came to take her away. Her road to the grave was long and hard but her final moments were very calm and dignified.
The hearse arrived outside my house at 2:00. I was very impressed with the undertakers who were both respectful and efficient.
Six Feet Under
Mourn, little harebells o’er the lee;
Ye stately foxgloves, fair to see;
Ye woodbines, hanging bonnilie,
In scented bowers;
Ye roses on your thorny tree,
The first o’ flowers!
Mourn, ye wee songsters o’ the wood;
Ye grouss that crap the heather bud;
Ye curlews calling thro’ a clud;
Ye whistling plover;
And mourn, ye whirring paitrick brood;
She’s gane for ever!
Ye maggots, feed on Dileas’ brain,
For few sic feasts you’ve gotten;
And fix your claws in Dileas’heart,
For deil a bit o’t’s rotten.
The Princess Of Thailand came yesterday to offer her condolences. Noblesse oblige.
Later this afternoon, the undertakers rang the office to inform us all that Dileas had been laid to rest with the utmost gentleness and respect. This is true. Okinawa.
The Quiet Ripple Defines The Pond 
Her radiant course is run.
Tilman, as ever – “Ships are all right, it’s the men in them —-”
Ooh , a bit harsh perhaps, even Tilman would have struggled with a typhoon, and he lost two ships himself, without typhoon contribution.
No, no, Dileas’ demise was entirely my fault. There were mitigating circumstances but, who cares?
You always kill the one you love etc.
Hello Neil, we met briefly at OIST a few years ago. I sail Hobie Cats up in Nago/Motobu. Just enquiring as to what became of the sails and other parts for poor Dileas. A friend here in Okinawa is looking at buying the same boat, well not the exact same boat obviously, but it is sans sails unfortunately.
Hi Keith, I’m afraid only the sails remain and those I gave to an artist who likes to paint on sails. Last time I met her she had not used them. I get back to Okinawa in the first week of March and can try to track her down. It would be great if they could be used again as they were almost new.
OK great, here’s hoping!
Oh and btw I was out in Nago Bay yesterday and this happened!
Hi Keith,
Neil successfully tracked me down regarding the sails you (or your friend) are interested in. I was hoping to use them for a future art project but I agree, it would be ideal to let them feel the wind again 🙂
Amazing! Lucky you.
N
Hazel, that’s great. I’ll let my friend know then get back in touch. Many thanks.
Hazel, Craig may contact you about the sails via your website directly. I had a look through your paintings, Very inspiring!