Torches at the Crossroads

I’ll leave three torches at the crossroads If the night forgets your name When the moon runs late and time runs cold I will be your flame Steam lifting from the stones, you breathe like dawn I taught you night, but not the price it draws Your shadow learned to walk ahead of mine I keep the crossroads lit, and look away in time Three roads, three names, one vow I couldn’t keep If fate is thread, I’m only just the splice If storms arrive before you learn to sleep I’ll count to ten, then strike the light—twice I’ll leave three torches at the crossroads If the night forgets your name When the moon runs late and time runs cold I will be your flame I’ll guard the path that you chose When the shadows mouth your shame If the Fates pull tight on the thread you hold I will say your name Three—three—torches, stay Cross—roads—call your way Stand—still—hear me say I will be your flame You carry witchfire hidden in your sleeve You name the dark, and still you choose to leave The springs remember every vow we broke I keep the map unmarked, and speak in smoke Three roads, three debts, I pay them without claim If time unspools, I’ll stitch it to your aim If stars fall blind, I’ll learn another name Count one, count two—ignite the frame I’ll leave three torches at the crossroads If the night forgets your name When the moon runs late and time runs cold I will be your flame I’ll hold the wind so your arrows fly I’ll bend the dark so your fear runs dry If the thread cuts deep and the hours fold I will say your name I taught you night, I never taught the price I walk behind, unseen, with borrowed light If love is leaving torches where you’ll turn Then love is what I’ll burn I will not choose for you I will not move the gate But when the dawn comes late I’ll be your flame I’ll leave three torches at the crossroads If the night forgets your name When the moon runs late and time runs cold I will be your flame I’ll guard the path that you chose When the shadows mouth your shame If the Fates pull tight on the thread you hold I will say your name Three torches, watch, and wait Crossroads breathing, patient, brave Steam and cinders, quiet and the same I will be your flame