The Voyage

The tempest rages, tossing longboats high -
It’s better than a ‘straw death’ way to die.
But is the cause the writhing Midgard snake?
Are Aegir and his Maidens wide awake?
Is Aegir lurking, planning a surprise,
To clutch at us, with glee in his old eyes?
I scan for nixies, undines, and mermaids,
And hope we reach the land to savour raids.
Next, comes the singing of the Lorelei:
Ignore her voice if you don’t want to die!
As storms subside, just sea spray makes us wet.
Beware! Ran may be waiting with her net -
She’d hope to drag us down to her stronghold;
To buy our comfort there, we carry gold.
So on and on we sail ‘til we sight land,
As guided by the mighty Odin’s hand.
And there I’ll fight: a hero’s death for me.
Next stop Valhalla flown by Valkyr!
Copyright © | Year Posted 2011

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Zzzzz Avatar
May 14, 2011 at 6:46 AM
A poetic mix of history and mythology. You take the reader with you on that longboat! Excellent write.
George   Avatar
April 24, 2011 at 9:41 AM
When I was a kid, I used to take my ten cent allowance and go on saturday mornings to the Blue Mouse Theatre and watch all the voyages of Sinbad - loved them - this sonnet brings back fantastic memories for me Jack, Also, thank you for reading that long Ballad. I like my original verson more - the one I entered in the legend contest. However, Debbie Guzzi, hounded me to re-write it as a ballad, so I did it for her. Love, Lainie
A   Avatar
April 23, 2011 at 10:09 PM
great Jack, extreamly very gripping... had fun reading your poem, take care and have your self a happy and safe Easter! always p.d.
Dietrich Avatar
April 23, 2011 at 5:31 PM
wow it is kind of like a sonnet and what a topic, I remember a movie I saw based on mythology. I am sure that is what this is about . grreat writing, jack.
Poet Avatar
April 23, 2011 at 11:53 AM
Excellent write!Enjoyed--kash
Kendrick Avatar
April 22, 2011 at 3:52 PM
Interesting work..Very creative work ...Thanks for stopping by and commenting on my work..Sara
Devonshire Avatar
April 22, 2011 at 2:55 PM
Wow! What an impresive blend of legends, lore and history, Jack. I was in suspense throughout. Are the Lorelei the same as Sirens? Definitely a favorite for me!! Love to you and Sue, Carolyn
Parker Avatar
April 22, 2011 at 12:14 PM
I love the mythical panorama! There is very little poetry on this sight dealing with such themes. I wrote a poem on Odysseus's travails. Enjoyed greatly!
Foulk Avatar
April 22, 2011 at 10:44 AM
a great write, enjoyed reading this.
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