Lady-Liara

To the memory of the good Professor, who continues to inspire us all. There was a little fishing town On edge of barren plain And down beside the harbour lay A ship without a name. Once, countless years ago, When pirates ruled the seas She was the fairest ship to sail Before the ocean breeze. But Time, most cruel of highwaymen, Who stalked long in her wake, Came to her as to us all, His vengence for to take. Her sails were torn, her rudder stiff, Her hull was bleached and bare White gulls gathered on her prow And beat the salty air. There was an ancient mariner With hair and beard of grey Who went down to the harbourside