To the Candle-Bearer

I looked to the sky that velvet night,
and cursed the laughing darts of light
those wicked stars juggled lonely hearts
and jeered as trust was rent apart

I shrouded my soul in the billows of black
and went my lone way down a wandering track
far away veiled by shadows gleamed silv'ry light
-I stole away softly, my mind scarred with spite

but alone I was not, and the candle undimmed
the goblet of friendship was filled to the brim
I fled but he followed, beseeching I stop
and wary I turned but at length took the cup

I glance back in time to the frost-fingered night
when first I was cast from world's harsh sight
but gentle arms, they hold me back
from tumbling down the blood-blackened track

now vibrant spring melts sordid snow
and from the waking earth hope grows
I wander again through lonely lands
but this time I go holding hands