Drawing Down Mars

Drawing Down Mars

In ancient times, the long banner blew
In the wind, drumbeats heavy, grew
And on Badon Hill, in wintry grass,
Armies took a stand, and not let pass
The enemy. Here is the clarion call,
Here comes Mars, in firestorm fall;
The snap of bows, cheers, and hail
Of arrows, penetrating chain mail;
The marching song, take up the cry;
Here is combat, breathless sigh;
Here is iron, cold orb descending,
The long struggle now enduring;
O Malacandra, your red star in sight,
Keep back the demons of the night,
Come down, like eagles in a sky
Falling fast, with watchful eye;
Where there is injustice, fight
Keep the faith, maintain the light.