Ice Song

I set out in mist
sun a memory
of things that
used to be
cold wind in rigging
sea birds cry
coastline behind
fog
ice
rime on bow line
timeless sea time.

Listen
listen
listening
break-wave hissing
dragon-prow arching
forward mistward praying
praying to All-Father.
Gallows-gaunt lead
lead to green land
through these strange seas.

Nine days
Thor’s day!
Stars are lost
endless cloud
I hang spear-pierced
absurd
eyes blind
with sea salt
beard white as Ymir.
Munin the ship’s cat hides
from my endless grinding cry.

Two ravens land
on the mast
flutter
blind eyes see
they bear runes
rhymes
signs
mistletoe and cedar entwined
in wise beaks.

They speak:
“Wodan His promise He keeps...”