Hearthkeeper

One flame for the living
One flame for the gone
Beyond the great water
We followed the dawn
Then taught them to the children beside the flame
What called us home through the longest night
A familiar voice and a window of light
Keep it low, keep it bright
Guard the small flame through the night
For every child, still dreaming here
For every name we will not lose
No sword ringer, no shield was raised
Still she fought through darker days
While warriors chase glory
She kept their world alive
I watched the door until the fire burned low
Across the sea we dreamed of its glow
Some came home wounded, leaning on their friends
She washed our blood and helped us mend
Some never crossed the threshold again
I spoke their name so they would remain
We returned, singing of the wars we won