If you haven’t heard, science fiction writer Sir Arthur C. Clarke has passed away.

As a teenager, his book CHILDHOOD’S END was one of my favorites. I never knew until recently that the Genesis song Watcher of the Skies was likely inspired by that book. This bit of lyrics from the song seems fitting today:

From life alone to life as one,
Think not now your journey’s done
For though your ship be sturdy, no
Mercy has the sea,
Will you survive on the ocean of being?
Come ancient children hear what I say
This is my parting council for you on your way.

Sadly now your thoughts turn to the stars
Where we have gone you know you never can go.
Watcher of the skies watcher of all
This is your fate alone, this fate is your own.