Ode To The Lionheart (A Poem For My Brother) Poem by Isadora Quagmire

My dearest brother, whose mind, a noble hall,
Is richly furnished with wisdom's ancient lore,
In classic tongues you rise above them all,
A courtly grace I've never seen in anyone before.
Like a true Knight, by honor's code you stand,
Your bearing regal, with a gentle hand,
A silent promise held within your gaze,
You walk through life in bright and stately ways.


And when the music softly calls to dance,
With effortless grace, you glide across the floor,
A fluid movement, a captivating trance,
As agile as the hart that leaps and soars.
Then at the organ, skilled and solemn, deep,
You summon harmonies that make troubles go to sleep,
Yours is the master's touch, a spirit pure and free,
So much of beauty, brother, dwells in thee.


Beyond these talents, what truly shines so bright,
Is kindness woven in your very soul,
A steady beacon, a true brilliant light,
When shadows lengthen and consume the whole.
A ready shoulder for a weary head,
When we are lost, your gentle words are said,
So wise of counsel, courage despite the strife,
A lionheart, a champion dear to me in this life.


When shadows fall and night is so deep,
Your heart shines, a star's phial within the night,
You stand guard with ready hand while we sleep,
You smite the darkness with your spirit's light.
With lionheart, courageous, bold, and true,
You face the trials that life may bring your way,
Your wisdom guides in all that you pursue,
And strengthens me throughout each passing day.


For all your goodness, Brother, strong and kind,
For every word of council, touch of love and grace,
A truer guardian I will never find,
My love for you, dear brother, no one can erase,
I thank God daily for the gift of you,
A guiding star, so constant and so bright,
And pray His blessings ever will imbue
Your noble path with everlasting light.


May no darkness daunt you, no fear hold you fast,
May you find a haven someday in which to rest,
May you live in present gladness—not be haunted by the past,
May you have strength in good and evil's contest,
May God bless you and give you peace,
May joy attend you, blessings fill your days,
May your troubles swiftly cease,
May you forever walk in God's holy way.

- for my oldest brother,
Nicholaus B. Quagmire