The Weight of the Dead
The pearl and silver crown upon my head,
the banner of the Tree and Stars waves bright.
“Behold the King,” the voices cry, and light
o’er all, the darkness broken, shadows fled.
Great battles won, the armies that I led
are now returned to peace and joy. The sight
of many brave companions from the fight
can lift my heart, free now from fear and dread.
And yet the voices of the dead are here
as well. I close my ears to hear the lost
and bring them near, hear some I loved, gone now.
I think about the price they paid. 'Twas dear
enough. I feel the weight and bear the cost
along with pearl and silver on my brow.