Song of the Wardens

 We will keep the watch tonight.
We will tiptoe in the darkness,
Voiceless whisper in the hall,
And we will pull the curtains tight.
Fearing the quick illumination,
The moment of discovery,
Voices raised in accusation,
We will fear to make a light.

The prisoner in his dungeon sleeps,
Daring no dream of restoration.
And though the door is open, keeps
Watch against emancipation.
With his offenses we are bound,
And for his penance, we will pay the price:
We will whisper in the darkness,
And we will keep the watch tonight.

When he frees us, then will come the light,
And in the morning will be sung
In honor of his name, a slow, sad song,
And we will weep in harmony.
When it ends, the church-bells will be rung,
And from his prison he will drift away.

Nor shall we follow where his spirit flies,
For we shall deem his penance done.

1997