The Final Farewell

The Final Farewell



Through ice as tall as mountains,
cross water white with Njörðr's wrath,
we've sailed in unity.

Ignoring Snotra's warnings,
the horizon was our destination
guided by Valhalla's lights at night
and Sunna's torch by day.

Forward, moving to the hum
of Lyra's voice,
following the misty wake
of Ægir, we venture
ever onward.

A new land found and yet
the horizon beckons me onward.
My faithful brothers return to
sing of struggle and victory
around pyres of thanksgiving ...

I alone remain.

Whether the home fjords ring
with my name remembered
or the memory of me fades
like dying echoes ...

the cold wind of wanderlust
guides me down
unchartered paths.

Though I may never have
Elli's blessing I will seek
the world's edge -
to peer into the realms
of Odin and add my voice
in songs of wisdom around his
fire...

And should I fail -
I will be content in the trying ...

... and will ride the wind home
with the Valkyries
to the welcoming embrace
of Asgard.

Notes

Word Count: 245 .

An entry for September "A River of Poetry & Prose"  [E]
Prompt: Contentment

The Norse were the first to set foot in North America. This is based on that event and the old Norse legends:
Njörðr - God of sea, wind, fish, and wealth.
Snotra - Goddess of prudence
Valhalla – Hero's place in Asgard (Heaven).
Sunna – The Godess of the sun
Ægir – Maidens of the sea
Elli - Personification of old age.
Odin - Lord of the Valhalla. God of both wisdom and war.
Valkyries – Servants of the Gods that carry valiant warriors to Valhalla.


Thank you for taking time to read my words. I would appreciate it if you took a moment and left a comment. Your reaction, impressions, criticisms, - yes, even praise are all equally welcome.

Ken