Stomp of Shadows

I heard your steps before the rain I kept the door unlatched

again Then say my name,

and cross the cold

Your coat still smells of river stone Your hands are warm,

but not your eyes

I buried letters by the road I read each one beneath the

pines We circle close,

we do not touch We owe the dark a debt too much

If the bell rings once,

will you follow

If the bridge gives way,

will you stay

I have carried your name

like iron

I have carried the same weight

Hold the line, hold the line

We are not done with the night Strike the floor,

keep the time

I will answer, you will rise Hold the line,

hold the line

Till the morning turns its knife

You left a lantern in the field You taught the crows my

given name I crossed the frost to bring it back I crossed

it first to take the blame Then meet me where the cedars

lean And tell the truth between your teeth

Do not lower your eyes Do not loosen your hands

Every vow has a cost Every heart has a land Take the

mark, take the flame Say it now,

say my name

Hold the line, hold the line We are not done with the

night

Strike the floor, keep the time

I will answer, you will rise Hold the line,

hold the line Let the old door open wide Hold the line,

hold the line

We

come through

alive

Hold the line

Hold the line Until the floor is still