The Opening

We are the foes of dawn Our secrets slow the light The blood of stars is drawn We guard the wounded night With evening azure treads Fur-wreathed in thick wild scent Ancient horn ripples air A cool, rich chorus spreads Knees to lynx lords are bent. Sable stealth rules our lair Two owl eye gems flash pale Descend the forest’s deep Through wisps of hills we stare At shapes prowling the vale Gently the dim whirls creep Our moss hands cup the earth Soft witch of vapor gleams Awake from roosting sleep Claws and beaks stretch in mirth To swim all movement seems Cloaked spirits groan and stir Turning with heavy frown We melt their slow dense dreams Buried in pathless blur Dripping enchants all sound Wolf druids veil our spell Hunting grey breaths that spy This first magic surrounds As rings of moonglow fell Curled banners churn the sky Beacons flame eastern cloud Their warmth seeps through the glade Our flesh like stone defies The fire of dawn’s shroud Oaks unsheathe giant blades The dragon’s head is gold Fierce glint on wings is worn It swoops where fawns have lain Beyond the shadows’ fold Rising drums drive the storm We charge the roaring scourge Clash of frost, sun, and dust Our silver mail is torn Green hordes to the gate surge With blazing bronze they thrust To the blue wraith we yield The song of spears, swift bane! Sylph flight through the haze gusts Piercing helmet and shield We glimmer ere we wane Scattered on dewed leaf rune Our opal crown is gone Yet our dark realm shall reign Above the mortal noon We are the foes of dawn Our secrets slow the light The blood of stars is drawn We guard the wounded night --2007