So They Are Not Forgotten

You are 

the horn bearer

carrying the wine

to the table of warriors 

that we may celebrate 

our victories 

and hail our comrades

who were defeated 

this is a trust indeed

to bear the liquid 

in the hour of celebration 

knowing we must sing

of the dead

so they are not forgotten 

we must sing their names

so the gods can 

call them in.

Effortlessly you fill my cup

and I hope 

that the music of remembrance 

may be fitting

in this hour and also

in the hour of our

departure

each of us 

must study to be worthy

and bring our hearts 

to the appointed moment

so we may tell a story

that will be 

remembered

we must tell a story

of each soul who has departed

so they are not forgotten.