Forgotten Ground Regained

Quest for Valhalla

In Old Norse fornyrðislag meter
Dawn broke in the Bear Lands,Bringing the gods themselves.Groups in the grass thereGathered to heed the call
Freya's resplendent formFueled courage in the men.The brave took up their blades,The blood song to be sung
Feyr himself took the field,Fighting amongst the mortals.Storm-god looked on in splendor,Staking claim to heroes
Odin was elusive.Instead his raven's sent.From their noble Fort theyFlew to join us this day.
The Jotnär came yelling,Yielded to the younglings:Glory over giantsGained great fame for the cubs.
The skulls of the slain wereSpangled by great artists.The finest of them filledThe full length of Hel's Hall.
Then did Loki's luck find,Latch upon both my eyes;By hex or curse laid lowLeft afternoon untold.
By Madylyne's magicMy eyes gained sight againIn time to see the sceneStephen Crowley revered.
Remembering RagnarAnd raising Crowley's fame:Gifts of the great skald wereGiven to him this day.
Vast the feast that came forth,Feeding all abundant:Vanquished hunger and voiceVictory in silence.
Baron and BaronessBrought honors to their folk.We joined in the wonderWith words both new and old.
The Great Horn then hefted,Horns and cups all now filled,Stories of the Lion SkaldSpun through the starry night.
All claimed by drink or dayDestined to fade away,We slept and when we wokeWe were still left dreaming.
Copyright © Robert Cuthbert, 2015