casting runes — 17aug26

sowilo
insight at
sharp claws,
sharper teeth

a hint of lemons—
how shall we name
our many ghosts?

A rune poem, based on an Elder Futhark rune selected at random.

Today’s rune is sowilo, the sun. Sowilo is the source of enlightenment, for lighting the way and illumination. It is also called the “icebreaker” and gives power to an “attack”, ensuring success and/or prosperity. This rune also represents hope, the light at the end of a long darkness.

Please visit my Elder Futhark pages at sceadugenga.com for additional interpretations of the runes based on multiple references and personal reflection.


12 responses to “casting runes — 17aug26”

  1. Bob Avatar

    Excellent. This short poem rushes over you without ever letting you find solid ground. Which is perfect.

    1. michael raven Avatar

      Thank you, Bob. I’m just a stumbling blind man in the dark.

  2. chrisnelson61 Avatar

    Ah, where to begin?

    1. michael raven Avatar

      At the beginning, of course 🙂

        1. michael raven Avatar

          Unless you’re an end-starting kind of guy… Very Doors. 😉

          1. chrisnelson61 Avatar

            Usually the start. Sometimes the end. Why not begin in the middle and work both ways?

          2. michael raven Avatar

            I think you need to jump on that.

            I know nobody ever bites on this idea (I think folks are scared of the style), but this might be one of those ideas that would be great to pursue as a mixed-epistolary short story. [hint]

          3. chrisnelson61 Avatar

            A throwaway comment which might be worth thinking about. Cheers for the nudge!

          4. michael raven Avatar

            You never know what might come of it.

  3. Stacey C. Johnson Avatar
    Stacey C. Johnson

    I love this so much. I think it’s the surprise of the hint of lemons. Gorgeous.

    1. michael raven Avatar

      Thank you. We never know when something might wake us from our slumber.

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