Godspeed, Father Karol...

I still remember what we Pinoys chanted when Pope John Paul II came for the second time to Manila.

"John Paul II, we love you!"

In the early morning of this day, Philippine time, a good man died. To paraphrase a favorite childhood book of mine - Pope John Paul II, Karol Wojtyla was a good man.

And that is all and everything.

Lay down,
your sweet and weary head.
Night is falling.
You have come to journey’s end.

Sleep now, and dream
of the ones who came before.
They are calling,
from across a distant shore.

Why do you weep?
What are these tears upon your face?
Soon you will see.
All of your fears will pass away.
Safe in my arms,
you’re only sleeping.

What can you see,
on the horizon?
Why do the white gulls call?
Across the sea,
a pale moon rises.
The ships have come,
to carry you home...