Based on Viking culture, these poems delve into Norse religion (pagan and Christian), exploration and settlement of Iceland, Greenland, and North America, particularly the reconstructed L’Anse aux Meadows settlement in Newfoundland. Please enjoy reading about Brithe and her sea-going adventures.
- 1221. Ellsbeth’s Norse Sea-LegendCoastal storm battering Hebrides outer isles, Children taking shelter in our stone cottage. Around flickering candlelight, Ellsbeth, elder Woman of our island told of Norse legend to Anxious girls and […]
- 785. Mirrored DaysSecrets of Maine islands, life working Lobster traps, mirrored days reflecting Clouds, gazing into still water, appearance Of another me. At first, I ignored this other Face, boat ripples in […]
- 624. Maine Viking SettlementNor’easter overnight, longship oak ribs Sand and surf emerging, upward curved To daylight, Norse boat discovered on Maine Harbor Island beach, evidence Vikings explored south of L’Anse aux Meadows. Stone […]
- 398. He Who Resurrected MeMy family thought I was dead, limp body Wrested from Isle au Haut, Maine icy waters, Henna hair, death-distant blue eyes. I drew no Breath, my skin cold-pale, for brief […]
- 81. Legends of Seafaring MurielListen now to legend-might of folk-kings! Eldest daughter of Styrmir, daughter of Hræfna, Muriel was able seafaring maiden. Born of blacksmith family, Styrmir was Protector-provider of his clan, hammer Heart-fire […]
- 65. Grim Tale Shieldmaiden HervorBattle-felled, Shieldmaiden Hervor lies dead, mortally wounded by Huns. Painting “Hervor død” by Peter Nicolai Arbo (1831-1892). Raiding seafarer, daughter of Heidrek The Wise, Shieldmaiden Hervor protected Hearth-fires, defended Viking clans. […]
- 53. Triumphed AgoniesWhen our eyes first met, my love, we Heralded a mystical epic of concealed love, Courage and sacrifice, rejoicing tears Warm as summer dawn, bright as snow- Crested mountains, stolen […]
- 48. Crucible Sword +ULFBERH+TConceived by Nordic gods, hand-wrought from Flaming iron-earth and burned-black ancestral Bones, Ulfberht sword possessed magical powers: Shattering shields, Penetrating armor chain-mail. Formed in mystic crucibles, Norse villagers Labored at […]
- 46. Greenlandic Vikings RememberedSong I sing of ancient Hvalsey Church, Witness frozen demise of Greenlandic Viking habitation. Enduring monument, Fitted ashlar stones, Christian ruins Withstood unrelenting approach of Barren desolation, mournful years, Ice-slashed […]
- 5. Heroic VinlanderOn a bluff above the Labrador Sea My pointed trowel plies ancient earth, Revealing secrets held a 1000 years ago, When courageous Vinlanders, mighty seafarers, Braved the threat of ocean swells […]
- 4. Death of SignýBitter snow brought a Harsh tale of Signý’s death. Weaved together for three years, Young bride of Redgin, Son of Halvaar, She was mother to their Death-lost suckling son. At first […]