Upon a Dark and Winding Road

Upon a dark and winding road I walked,
And on my shoulders bore a load of stone.
With grinding bones and trembling legs I walk
Bent-backed I leaned upon my spindly staff
And every stone I saw upon the road
I lifted up and added to my load.

Upon the dark and winder road I saw
A man who bore a greater load than I
A mountain seemed to sit upon his back
And bent he walked, his hands upon a staff.
His breathing came in gasps and coughs
He seemed half-blinded by his salty-sweat

Upon the dark and winding road he turned
And saw me stagger down under my load
My strength gave out, I sank unto the ground
Crushed and bruised under my load of stones
And he set down his load and came to me
Lifted mine up and added it to his

Upon the dark and winding road I said
“I beg you sir, do not, for that is mine
I gathered them myself and so should bear
the load alone, and yours already seems
Too large for one to bear alone. I see
That you are weary, leave to me my load.”

Upon the dark and winding road he set
My load and his upon his aching back
He took his staff in hand and smiled to me
He set me on my feet and said “My friend,
You are not strong enough to bear that load
So let me take it from you, for I am.”

Death

Tick tock, tick tock, tick tock, tick tock
These are the sounds of my footsteps
This is the sound of my knocking
Soon I will stand on your doorstep
Soon you will come at my calling

Ding dong, ding dong, ding dong, ding dong
That is the cry of my trumpet
Heralding my nearing presence
Have you begun to prepare yet?
Are you awake for my summons?

Call to arms

Sudden changes rock my being
Sudden answers, sudden laughter
Up I spring, I cannot rest now!
Worlds are opening to conquer!
Foes now press from every side and
Hark! The trumpets and the clatter!
Swords are clashing, spears are shining
Horses neighing, shields are shattered
Arrows flying, cannon roaring
Hosts invisible and armored
Marching past while I lay dozing
I, who proud professed my honor
I, so eager for the battle
Shed my blood for causes lesser
Shall I lay and play the coward?
Shall I stay a mere deserter?
Sword! A sword! Give me my weapon!
Beat my heart to match this drummer!
Give me a place in this great army!
Marching makes the legs grow stronger!
Obedience makes our freedom sweeter!
Now shall I seek for true glory!
Now shall I live in true valor!
Shirt of hair now be my breast-plate;
Scripture be my keen-edge saber!
Queen of Heaven be my damsel
Christ my King and Pope commander
Inmost thoughts my field of battle
Foes be devils and all error
Fall I may, but fall in glory
Laughter on my lips and prayer
Let my heart with steel be sharing
Men, now rally ‘round my banner
March to battle and to glory
Hark! Your King calls you for soldiers
Join my company and serve Him
All the Earth our feet shall wander
Ever seeking our next battle
To no coast will our blood be stranger
‘Til at last the war is ended
So my soul declares in fervor
Racing forward past all reason
Oaths I take within my fever
Bind me still when I awaken