Forgotten Ground Regained
Farewell
Originally published in Withowinde 127, p.17, Spring, 2002
Steve Pollington recited this poem, inspired by the ship-funeral scene from Beowulf, at the funeral of Pearl Linsell, a longtime member of Ða Engliscan Gesiðas and co-founder of Anglo-Saxon Books with her husband, Tony.
The vessel could not tarry, was wave-hungry, out-eager.The ship shuddered, shifted away,drew out from the bank while the throng held its breath.Onlookers stand wondering, thinking, reflecting,knowing not where the foam-steed has fled.We cannot know the home-port, the heart's end-strand,but we wish the wayfarer speed on the journey:A fair wind, a timely tide,And a warm welcome on the far shore.
Copyright © Steve Pollington, 2002
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