Sestina for Maji

[Topaz]

I've been asked to republish this since it's no longer available elsewhere.


SESTINA FOR MAJI

A star has fallen from the sky
at black midnight, the brightest star to shine
in evening's host, a clear and guiding light
to warriors and to hunters homeward bound.
The compass star, the constellation's heart,
has fallen, fled, and left the land alone.

Though loved by all, she died alone,
self-exiled, ne'er to walk beneath the sky
of Valorn, dear and precious to her heart.
No longer in the outer world to shine,
by holy oath she hid her brightness, bound
to solitude within the Forge of Light.

In solitary prayer, her light
enlightened Valorn; though she watched alone,
her steadfast soul drew others close, and bound
their hearts in friendship endless as the sky.
Blessed by the gods, her loving words could shine
through darkness of the most unyielding heart.

There was no place within her heart
for Balthazar. He could not dim the light
of that dear star, nor make it cease to shine.
She did obeisance to the gods alone,
and to no other power under sky;
by fear of darkness she could not be bound.

The Obelisk of Power, bound
by Balthazar, she strove to cleanse, her heart
outpoured to all the gods of Valorn's sky.
She lent -- nay, gave -- her being to the Light;
her willing word she gave to die alone
if thus the Obelisk might freely shine.

But darkness loomed where stars would shine
and malice sought her out where, honourbound,
she stood her final vigil all alone.
Some say it was that malice broke her heart,
but others say she burned away in light,
the Forge's brilliant beam that touched the sky.

You shine, beloved star, in every heart,
but we, still bound to battle for the light,
now mourn alone beneath an empty sky.

Topaz