Feather and Flame

Sleep now, my darling, the stars have grown cold, The forest remembers, the branches still hold. Though you were borrowed, and never to stay, Your name rides the wind and won’t blow away.   Feather and flame, cradle and sky, No answer to give, no reason, no why. But love does not fade, though ashes remain, We carry you now, through sorrow and rain.   Hush now, my baby, no pain shall you know, The crows keep their vigil where soft rivers flow. In shadow or starlight, we’ll still speak your name, As long as there’s memory, nothing’s the same.   Feather and flame, cradle and sky, Rest in the hush, where no mother need cry.