The lamps in the lab are still burning bright
His books are open beneath the shining light.
Images on the screen are starting to fade
The blackboard is covered with sketches he’s made.His telephone is full of memos from friends
Seeking answers to many experiments and trends.
On the back of his chair is the coat that he wore
Still with his warmth from the long day before.
His departure was hurried but he was always on track
He didn’t know when he left he would never come back.
When his family and friends awoke in the morning
They learned he’d been taken without any warning.
They would not hear his laughter with its childish delight
Nor see him over the microscope, day and night.
With his drive and brilliance it seems so unkind
To allow only 42 years for such a beautiful mind.
But God has decided that his journey should end
He’s completed the task assigned by the Lord grand.
“Come to me, child. You are deserving of rest
You have given mankind the best of your best.
To you I entrusted a mission so hard
You’ve accomplished it with all your heart.
With your efforts, this killer of women has been subdued *
All Mothers and daughters are indebted to you.”
Though now he’s returned from whence he began
The world has been changed forever by this man.
He was created like others from flesh and from blood
He travelled through life with the forces of good.
His resolution and drive were like iron and steel
Which after his death were proudly revealed.
He’s finished his race and fought the good fight
And is fondly remembered for the things he’s done right.
God has claimed him, and now he is home
His place is in heaven near God’s glorious throne.
His star is ascending; it’s shining so bright
An angel who guides with its permanent light.
This star in the dark will show us the way
From here to eternity on each given day.
Whether we cross the waters or climb over the rise
It twinkles in front of us as we strive for our prize.
* Dr Jian Zhou and Professor Ian Frazer made a discovery at the University of Queensland over a decade ago that has led to the development of a vaccine for cervical cancer. The vaccine is now available in many countries, which means that cervical cancer, the second largest killer of women, will soon become history. In 1999, Dr Zhou’s life was tragically cut short by a sudden sickness at the age of 42.