FAWM: "Queen Kerosene"

Queen Kerosene

2025 by @philkmills

Liner Notes

At the end of 2024's 50/90, I had the idea of creating a setting for a collection of country-ish songs. Being part of the filk community, I couldn't do a straight-up scenario, so I thought: what if the Ancient Greek pantheon found themselves in the "Old West"?

I wrote the first song as 50/90 ended. I had plans to continue during FAWM, but that didn't happen. However, I couldn't finish the month without doing anything!

In this one, I'm assigning a form of homesickness to Hestia.

Lyrics

I live near a town; I dream of a city To hold me, protect me, as I light its spark. Here, on the outskirts of human connection, My fires are only bright points in the dark.

They call it the new world; I can’t say I’m keen To be Goddess of Lamplight, Queen Kerosene.

I visit the church; I dream of my temple, Of people who gather in kitchens or halls Here, winds will blow away everyone’s laughter, Assuming it ever emerges at all.

They call it the new world; I can’t say I’m keen To be Goddess of Lamplight, Queen Kerosene.

I never was one to be courting adventure But rather, delighting in warmth and fine meals Why am I where even wolves hunt as loners. I’m told that I’m needed; that’s not how it feels

I stand on the flats; I dream of high places Where clouds circle ‘round like a crown for my head Here, there is nothing, miles of it, endless And civilization? I fear that it’s dead.

They call it the new world; I can’t say I’m keen To be Goddess of Lamplight, Queen Kerosene.

Goddess of Lamplight, Queen Kerosene.