[SCA-AE] A Poem for Rannveig

[Thomas Ireland-Delfs]

Hi,

Today is Mistress Rannveig's birthday.  In her honor and memory, the poem I wrote for her & presented to Viscount Alexander this past summer.  If you have seen it before, please pardon me for taking up your time.  

Hvita-Rannveig Dauðibana 

Mute Death's sable minion 
moves to muffled drumbeat.
raven-clad still rider 
raises fiercesome spear shaft.
Blind Hoð's deadly dark tipped 
dart brings glooming heartache;
brooding stormclouds baleful 
broke by lightnings' white fire.

Regal crimson court stands 
corbie-clad in mourning; 
noble gift-friend fallen 
fell Death's thegn has slain him. 
Sword trees white girth'd sturdy 
stumble adzed like lumber; 
wine-dark drink of war hawks 
wends to pools unending.

See how spear maid silent 
stands shaft's tip bears banner; 
Tyr's longship waits swan white 
shines bright gainst night's mare. 
Battle Freyja bold and 
brazen turns back gazes --- 
glowers from Glitnis rider 
greedy Fenris feeder.

Growling Hell spawn's ghastly 
groan rings out  "thus die all". 
daring spear slope dauntless 
dreads not Death's fell head song.
Ash shaft tilts, point aims true, 
eye slot finds and drives home; 
battle serpent bites deep 
brand-Sif's mind-stone breaches.    

Spear maid falls as foeman 
fades Death's fell sword bite stayed. 
swan white hearts hall scarlet 
stained.  hot wound-surge draining. 
Noble ring-jarl kneels down 
new tears fall to yew stand; 
Heaven's wheel lights homeland ---
high the praise for Rannveig.

Oðin's maidens make their 
master's army vast and 
hang her shield in Herjans 
hall. sword trees sing greeting.
Under high flung earth tent 
evil threatens always; 
good folk look for guidance ---
gracious lady, save them. 


Comments? Questions?

Fridrikr