I Still Know Your Name

Don't call me that. That woman is gone. Then why did you turn around? I stand beneath the dragon's wings; The temple bells forget to ring. My fingers tighten on the cane; I try to laugh. It sounds like pain. A thousand voices, none my own, Fall silent in this house of stone. You do not kneel. You do not flee. You look past all of this at me. I know the hands beneath that gold; They shook when all the streets were flame. You stood beside a frightened priest Before a kingdom knew your name. I still know your name, Through the gold and through the madness. I still see the hands That pulled me from the ashes. You don't have to save me now, Or burn to prove you are the same. Let the legend rest a moment. I still know your name. I stopped the Gray March. Took the throne. I thought the voice would stay my own. Now every mirror laughs at me; I can't recall who I should be. I fill the dark with butterflies So I won't see those burning skies. A god can make a kingdom bend. Why couldn't I bring back my friend? You were never meant to follow. That last step was mine alone. You still know my name, Through the gold and through the madness. You still see the hands I thought I'd lost in ashes. I don't have to save you now. I don't have to be the flame. Let me be your friend a moment. Say it till I'm her again. Is this the Dragon's mercy, Or a dream I made of you? The stone outside is still unbroken. And what we were is still here, too. I can't survive another farewell. Then don't be brave. Just stay a while. You gave the world so many mornings. Keep this one moment for yourself. I still know your name, Through the gold and through the madness. I still see the hands That pulled me from the ashes. I don't have to save you now. I don't have to hide the pain. For one breath, I am no legend. You can call me by my name. I still know your name. And I can hear it once again. The bells return. The candles fade. The cane is heavy in my hand. The laughter gathers at the door; I know what I must be once more. I still know your name. For a moment... So did I.