I can hear a drumming
A pounding in my head
Of footsteps hitting wood, tile and stone
Yet I don't feel the dread

And when the earth is softened
By the might and motion of feet
A torch-light gingerly carried down past all of them
To me

I stumble 'cross the ages-
Feet lighter than the last-
To pluck it from your tiring hands
You tensions flee then, fast

Although it is quite heavy
This light in my hands bare
I carry it high and smile by its light
To see you easing there

I trip and fall and fumble
In my cloudy, foreign trail
Although I, myself, am burned, this is
Not why I cannot fail

I cannot fail and cause the world
To stop from lack of light
I cannot fail to see you love
And live so joyous and bright

I cannot fail in any way
That'd ever cause you to hurt
For you deserve far better than
This path I lead of dirt

My generations past all
Rose up on sweat and bread
Thus for you to live free again
I'd bleed and toil myself dead

Dearest one you hear the agèd
Popping of my back
This bearing that I love
Turns my eyes old and black

Let it all to me, I beg
You don't deserve more hell
I'd fight skinless to get you out
And never escape, myself