Arafel's Song
Words by Mercedes Lackey, music by Kathy Mar


The sorrow of the elves is that they live beyond their time.
(The tree of swords and jewels waits for me)
Until the world forgets them--save in tales and song and rhyme
(When shall I hang my own upon the tree?)

The sorrow of the elves is that the things they love must die.
(The tree of swords and jewels waits for me)
Time withers all about them, yet the elves it passes by.
(When shall I hang my own upon the tree?)

The sorrow of the elves is that they dare not touch a friend
(The tree of swords and jewels waits for me)
For touching brings a change that magic can't reverse or end.
(When shall I hang my own upon the tree?)

The sorrow of the elves drove them to seek another place
(The tree of swords and jewels waits for me)
And I alone remain behind, the last of my lost race.
(When shall I hang my own upon the tree?)

And I alone remain behind to mourn and count the cost
(The tree of swords and jewels waits for me)
Of every leaf that fades and dies, and every flower lost.
(When shall I hang my own upon the tree?)

And I alone am left to hold the land that magic made
(The tree of swords and jewels waits for me)
But I cannot hold back the dark and daily watch it fade
(When shall I hang my own upon the tree?)

The sorrow of the elves is mine, who hurts when I would heal--
(The tree of swords and jewels waits for me.)
I wonder how long I must bear the stamp of sorrow's seal.
(When shall I hang my own upon the tree?)