Jedi Recessional

[bnewman]

Kipling's "Recessional" is a prayer for an empire on the edge of decline due to its overweening pride.  In the Star Wars prequel trilogy, the Old Republic and the Jedi Order stand at the edge of a similar precipice.

by Benjamin Newman, after "Recessional" by Rudyard Kipling
set to music by Leslie Fish

listen to this song

/ D G A D / - G Em A :/ D Bm G A / - - G - / A G D A /

 

Essence that, out from all that lives,

Extends and binds us one to each,

Which, by its flowing through us gives

The power to counsel, guard and teach —

So may the Force be with us yet,

Lest we forget, lest we forget!

 

Over the galaxy there spreads

Rumor of strife and discontent;

Yet see we not how fray the threads,

Or by what hand the cloth is rent?

Still may the Force be with us yet,

Lest we forget, lest we forget!

 

Far-called, our navies melt away;

Bewildered by ruse and asteroid.

Trust is burnt up by blaster ray,

Tween ship and ship and clone and droid.

But destiny may spare us yet,

Lest we forget, lest we forget!

 

Let not our blades be drawn in pride,

Nor trust too well that we are wise;

War has no light nor darker side

When all its causes stand on lies!

Still may the Force be with us yet,

Lest we forget, lest we forget!

 

If stray the Jedi from their place —

Called, not to master, but to serve —

Or reckon not their power a grace,

That few may gain yet none deserve;

Then destiny will run its course,

Restoring balance to the Force...