My broadsword lies in rusted peace
Beside the dock where no boat comes
The ferryman has ceased his lease
And morning drinks the river's drums
Cold steel kisses splintered pine
My calloused palm recalls the sign
Three hundred masses sung in time
Now only breath marks the line
No ferry comes for tarnished steel
Dawn drinks the river cold and real
My broadsword rests on splintered wood
Altos hum where I once stood
The gangway rots in green and gray
No coins left for the crossing fee
My gauntlets freeze in morning spray
The water asks no toll from me
Cold steel kisses splintered pine
My calloused palm recalls the sign
Three hundred masses sung in time
Now only breath marks the line
No ferry comes for tarnished steel
Dawn drinks the river cold and real
My broadsword rests on splintered wood
Altos hum where I once stood
The cipher etched on pommel face
Glows faint in rising amber light
No vesper bell to mark the grace
Just banjo rolling through the night
Latin verses crack like ice
Gloria Patri cracked voice
Sopranos gone I pay the price
Tenor gone I have no choice
Alto holds the final chord
Until the dawn becomes the Lord
No ferry comes for tarnished steel
Dawn drinks the river cold and real
My broadsword rests on splintered wood
Altos hum where I once stood
The sun climbs sharp on copper wire
No passengers no fares to take
My hands still ache from blade and fire
The dock is mine for dawn's own sake
No ferry comes for tarnished steel
Dawn drinks the river cold and real
My broadsword rests on splintered wood
Altos hum where I once stood
Banjo fades on open water
Choir breath holds the final quarter
