Like smoke and cinders fading away As twilight births the morning dew, So sweet sadness drifts my way As I now reflect on you.
The homes all plundered, and sky-searing flames, Are distant dreams in these cold remains. And when the bright birdies' beaks break wide, You're admidst the mist Where my memories hide.
Oh, one can wish that peace pervaded, But the gods of war will rage and slay Till ev'ry heart has been invaded, And ev'ry home is burnt and raided, And smoke blots out the sun at day, And deep and dark the dark at night, And deep and dark the sky all night, And deep and dark, no stars in sight; But only the flames, roaring red. Toil in my heart, turmoil in my head!
Then slowly, slowly, Quiet. The cinders lowly murmer and chill. A light growing in the East: His Will. And west, The wind blows away The rest.