Hold me close once more,
That Death’s embrace may not catch me too soon
Once more,
That crimson sunset and dying daylight may find us yet again

One more running shot to take the edge
One more steel-edged strike to feel the pain
One more searing blast to taste the flames
 

Call for sun, call for wind,
That our hearts and sails may always be full
Call for drinks, call for blessings,
That we may not face a fiery end
 

One more blinded jump to feel the rush
One more toast to good times
One more desperate breath ‘fore we plunge into void
 

Feel the pain and know that you live
Let not the cloak of death overtake you

Feel the edge of polished steel
And let the enemy know your wrath

Feel the rush of wind ‘neath your wings

That you may not forget the breath you draw,
Feel the dazzling flash of blazing sunlight,

That you may know the infinite expanse of earth and sea and sky and space
 

One more smile of brilliance to seal our friendship
One more lover’s embrace to see us off
One more kiss for luck and we’re on our way
 

Run for the sunrise,
Drink to the sunset,
Here’s to the night that births the sun!
 

Here’s to all who have truly lived!
That they may feel the blood of life thundering through their veins,
The winds of fortune, and the exalted rays of golden Sun on their faces
 

Just once more…

**Work from late last night, which I'll probably let sit for a few days before revising