Fuzzy Fish

Based on nothing in particular, except that I did think that the notion of an intelligent being sacrificing itself and seeing it as natural was intriguing. Swan (the ship) has an interesting life philosophy… I should write about her some more sometime.
Tune: Original.

Recording

On nickle and titanium you voyaged through the void
And now at last you see your new home's sun.
In this, like all beginnings, something dear will be destroyed.
The parting's pain has only just begun.

Through countless generations I had carried you within
I loved you and I cared for all your needs.
Ships don't belong on planetside. You need my steel for tin,
And ships are not like humans. We don't bleed.

And though my body dies today,
These are the words I have to say:
You'll build your cities from my shell.
I die, so you may live.
This is my body that I give
To you. Please, use it well.

A ship is mute. I have no words to bid you fond farewell,
I have no song to echo in your hearts.
But when you enter, when you build the houses where you'll dwell,
Remember what has ended as you start.

We left behind a world near-dead, and I am glad we left
Though it had meant that I was mortal, too.
So turn no more to misery, to violence and theft.
Use well this body I bequeath to you!

And when my flesh is no more whole,
You'll hear these words within your soul:
You'll build your cities from my shell…

And to my dearest human, to my Captain I will say:
Don't mourn me. I have lived – like you – to serve.
All things come to a stop. There is an end to every way.
We only pray we'll get what we deserve.

I loved you, and your father, and all those who steered me through
The vagaries of all uncharted space.
May your new world be worthy. May your courses all run true.
May you bring pride and new hope to your race.

And as you build and make your world,
Remember me and hear my words:
You'll build your cities from my shell…