Ashes Before the Sixth Flame

A warrior forged but fell too soon,

Before the child could see past moon.

Five fires burned, then silence claimed,

A blade withdrawn, a soul unnamed.

"Tell him the fight was never fair,

But presence roared while he was there.

Each laugh, a shield; each hug, a sword,

He gave the gifts the brave afford."

No grave required to bear the weight,

The fire survives beyond the gate.

He leaves behind the might to grow,

A strength the child will one day show.

The day he fell, the stars stood still,

But echoes move with sharpened will.

Let those five years be war and hymn,

Enough to keep the heart from dim.