Esther K Bowen

Within a city on a hill
I hold aloft a flame while still
And silent, dark surrounds the keep
I fear the night for others sleep

Am I alone to hold this high
And wait for dawn to paint the sky
Were other lamps with trembling hands
Quickly hidden from their stands

The fire was given long ago
My Father’s hand began the glow
I filled the oil, trimmed the cord
And held the lamp up for my Lord

But ever closer comes the dark
It presses in and shadows mark
Their finger-length across the stone
To gain a foothold in my home

Then if to stay my weary light
An ember comes upon my right
And left in ring around the wall
By grace, this city will not fall

The warrior-daughters ready stand
Our Father’s fire in each hand
Beneath His wings a light divine
Guards a place where all can shine