Sword-Song of a Paretic

I. The echoing din of hammered steel Anviled and tempered strong, Resounds in your head like a blacksmith’s song— Clanging till you feel The heat of the weapons shop. II. Old Thor and apprentices, forging new Weapons for gods to wield: The clatter of crafted blade and shield Deafens and maddens you— Your brain is their weapons shop. III. The gods go to battle, valiantly. Clattering swords engage Each other, as breakers surge and rage Up from the storm-struck sea— With throbbing that will not stop As waves—and the broad-axe—chop!