Freebie Mondays: Elven Funeral Song

I recently planned the third installment in the Aruvalia Chronicles series. There are a number of powerfully emotional scenes looming in the near future. One in particular involves a funeral.

The more this particular scene coalesces in my head, the more I want there to be some kind of funeral dirge this particular culture uses to bid farewell to the fallen. The culture in question is elven, so I imagine it will be complex and lyrical – at least in its native language. I have to write it translated into the ‘common’ language – of course.

I struggle with anything resembling poetry. I was never entirely happy with my last attempt (also written because it was relevant to a novel), but I’m surprisingly pleased with how this one came together. Especially since only bits and pieces will appear in the novel.

This particular piece is meant to be performed with seven unique vocal parts and no musical accompaniment.

When the day winds down near Unsrod
And your back feels heavy from the load
When weariness shakes your shoulders
And you can no longer lift your head
You’ll come to the last fork in the road
Let the last light of day
Carry your burdens away
And begin your journey to Gladearia’s abode

Before you go softly into starry night
Wrap your heart with eternal light
Let the ancients sing your tale with ringing voices
As this earthly choir rejoices
Build the boat that will carry your spirit eternal
To the place where the trees are ever vernal
Set your ship adrift on stellar tides
May this music be your guide

Across the starry ocean are fields that ever bloom
Thick grasses sway in gentle breezes
And warm raindrops softly fall
Songbirds sing where the tallest trees loom
There sadness cannot dwell
The heart with joy forever swells
As Gladearia’s touch forever banishes gloom

Wrap your soul in starlight
Before you descend to eternal night
The ancients now will judge your choices
As we here raise our voices
Bid farewell to your earthly vessel
Your mortal troubles no longer wrestle
In our love forever abide
While you sail that stellar tide

By Gladearia’s will shadows give way to light
Feet that wander return to the path
Wounded hearts no longer bear strain
And clouds flee eyes to restore sight
There are no longer debts to pay
And fear can never lead you astray
In her grace all that went wrong is made right

Before you go softly into starry night
Wrap your heart with eternal light
Let the ancients sing your tale with ringing voices
As this earthly choir rejoices
Build the boat that will carry your spirit eternal
To the place where the trees are ever vernal
Set your ship adrift on stellar tides
May this music be your guide