For years I’ve walked across this expanse
The desolation all around.
The southern wind my only friend,
For there is no other sound
Long ago, my life was full
I had family, and friends as well.
But I threw it all aside,
The day I heard the bells.
The war began and chapel bell
Rang out for all to hear.
Its resounding ring over hill and dale,
Told all to run in fear.
Behind the castle walls we hid,
Meters thick, and stories high.
But I sought the foe to strike a deal
For my family and I.
But the enemy was driven back,
I was caught whilst slipping out.
I was brought before the king,
And my sentence carried out.
Banishment until I die
Was the judgment I received.
And so I have walked across the world,
Until the day this world I leave.
And now alas, I have grown old.
My legs no more can carry.
My withered corpse across the plains
Whose outlook shall not vary.
And so I write this, my last verse,
For those who may find it.
Now I lay me down to die,
My soul, I pray, Lord, guide it.
The desolation all around.
The southern wind my only friend,
For there is no other sound
Long ago, my life was full
I had family, and friends as well.
But I threw it all aside,
The day I heard the bells.
The war began and chapel bell
Rang out for all to hear.
Its resounding ring over hill and dale,
Told all to run in fear.
Behind the castle walls we hid,
Meters thick, and stories high.
But I sought the foe to strike a deal
For my family and I.
But the enemy was driven back,
I was caught whilst slipping out.
I was brought before the king,
And my sentence carried out.
Banishment until I die
Was the judgment I received.
And so I have walked across the world,
Until the day this world I leave.
And now alas, I have grown old.
My legs no more can carry.
My withered corpse across the plains
Whose outlook shall not vary.
And so I write this, my last verse,
For those who may find it.
Now I lay me down to die,
My soul, I pray, Lord, guide it.