As the ship rolls gently upon the waves,
I look east toward the Tasman Sea,
The relentless surges swallowing time,
As they have for millions of years,
Through turn after turn of the Milky Way,

Beneath and beyond the waves,
The tree of life has grown,
Both struggling for life
Against harsh forces,
And exploding in exuberant replication.

And within our small leaf,
The courage and strength of the principled
Inspires and uplifts,
Giving us strength to seek a brighter future,
And explore this world which has given us birth,
And to which we will return.