Charcoal Feather Lament

Charcoal Feather Lament
- A Lyke-Wake Dirge

Vigil dusk and vigil night,
--- Ragged skies will call,
Storm and sleet and lantern light,
And wings will cross the wall.

When gales speed winter's breathing there,
--- Ragged skies will call,
Then windmill blades will rend the air;
And wings will cross the wall.

If windmill bearings then shall freeze,
--- Ragged skies will call,
Climb the pole and break them free;
And wings will cross the wall.

If ever a friend take leave at dawn,
--- Ragged skies will call,
Then light a lamp to guide her on;
And wings will cross the wall.

If dusk shall see her home again,
--- Ragged skies will call,
Then make a fire to warm your friend;
And wings will cross the wall.

If dusk shall never bring her home,
--- Ragged skies will call,
Then you must tend your fire alone;
And wings will cross the wall.

Though you may sit with stone regard,
--- Ragged skies will call,
These windmill blades have rent your heart;
And wings will cross the wall.

And you may tilt at windmills then,
--- Ragged skies will call,
But cannot make them push the wind.
And wings will cross the wall.

Vigil dusk and vigil night,
--- Ragged skies will call,
Storm and sleet and lantern light,
And wings will cross the wall.