The final song of this triptych ended up becoming the most personal one. While the other two are heartfelt expressions of things I wanted to say, this one actually has me in it. In the most general terms, I laid a part of myself bare. Several parts, actually. Illuminare was also the hardest concept to express because it can mean different things to different people. Over the past two years I have gone through two major surgeries, a very long road to recovery, and a divorce. To me, Illuminare means being the best kind of person you can be, including standing ready to help a near stranger in need, whatever it is, without hesitation. It’s grabbing onto life with both hands and wringing every last drop of experience out of it. Most of all, it’s about making connections and sharing ourselves with others.

I came to this land uncertain and seeking
Will I fit in and will I find meaning
Or am I to drift along river and sea
Never finding port, never knowing me

(chorus)
And in the dark of the night when my courage took to flight
You held out a hand and helped me understand
That our strong shield wall, it supports us all
We light the way, Illuminare

So eager to serve, I tacked into the wind
Answered the call for my kingdom and kin
Stepped up to the rail with both kneees atremble
Reading the skies for the captain’s crew assembled

(chorus)

When the wind blew cold, the wheel began to turn
I planted my feet and stood tall in the stern
Battled rough waters and weathered the wars
The North star as guide back to my beloved shores

(chorus)

Now I set flame to wick and take up my station
Turn a weather eye upon the horizon
Stand with my kinsmen, we ready our arms
To fight and to win and let none come to harm

(final chorus)
And in the dark of the night when your courage take to flight
I’ll hold out a hand and help you understand
That our strong shield wall, it supports us all
We light the way, Illuminare
We light the way, Illuminare