Forgotten Ground Regained
The Coming Winter
Originally published in Withowinde 161, p. 15-16, March 2012.
Today the sun shone warm and bright,Lingers still the last of summer,But winter comes to wither the land.The geese fly south, grey now the skies.Beneath your barrow your boat lies quiet,Raedwald Wuffing, ruler mightyWho battled bravely on the banks of the IdleSupporting Edwin, the surest of friends!You honoured holy gods in your hall of two altars,The land’s protectors, our people’s old gods.The boar-crested helm with honor you bore.And too Aethelbert’s God, and his angels holy,Gave thanks to Christ, crosses of garnet wore.A long life yours, our loss all the more!Your harp strings are silent; we sing of our grief.White swans will come, winter’s heralds;Soon after will snow settle on Deben’s banks.Beneath your barrow your boat lies quiet.Glorious your gold, who was our good king ever.
Copyright © Justine Blaydon, 2012
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