Category: writing

casting runes — 07dec25
wunjo
```
silent the flurries
eddy between boughs
my back warmed by fire
eyes all antler & stone

in this forever—
only the crackle-pop,
wood devoured by flame
```
A rune poem, based on an Elder Futhark rune selected at random.
Today’s rune is wunjo, which is translated as “joy” and has been interpreted in both the earthly sense as well as in spiritual ecstasy. It has been associated with healing (emotional, mental and interpersonal) and some sources connect the rune to luck, the act of making a wish, or applied will. Wunjo can also be the inspiration for creativity.
Please visit my Elder Futhark pages at sceadugenga.com for additional interpretations of the runes based on multiple references and personal reflection.
07 Dec 25
Campfire Sessions — 07dec25
Photo by Ville Palmu on Unsplash
Something about the campfire and the silent ghosts feels more burden than gift, so I slap my knees to signal that I need to get moving along as we do in the upper midwest, vocalize the requisite “welp” and stand. A few of the spirits turn their grey eyes to me, grant me a lingering look and then those empty eyes return to the flames. Not even a farewell wave then — the winter cold must be slowing them down today. Or maybe it is the daylight’s glare across the fresh snow that makes them blind. We gather in the late morning, although it isn’t without precedent. They prefer the glow of the flames against the backdrop of night, I’ve been told, but they will never turn down a flame lit in their honor if there is one burning in their area.
I don’t bother with any parting words. Not out of spite, but respect. I am mirroring their inclinations.
(more…)
07 Dec 25

him, of the cart

fingers entwined
we laid side-by-side
waiting on the fade
into the morrow &
wept under pale stars
burning high above
our pale hearts

07 Dec 25

waiting on perfect

cinnamon the kiss
you never give
as we lean over
café tables at
last night's dream
waiting on perfect

06 Dec 25

casting runes — 06dec25
tiwaz
```
having set to sail &
rudderless on
this ship of fools
cresting the nine
on the forever & ages,
i now ache for her safe
harbor to slip into view
```
A poem prompted by a randomly selected Elder Futhark rune.
Today’s rune is tiwaz, which is named after the Norse god Týr, and the second weekday (Tuesday) is named for the god. According to Norse myth, Týr offers his right hand to the wolf Fenrir, who bites it off when he realizes the gods have bound him as he held Týr’s hand in his mouth. The rune is typically considered symbolic of honor, loyalty and justice, as well as of sacrifice. It may be representative of discipline and faith. Some interpretations have associated the rune with the North Star.
Please visit my Elder Futhark pages at sceadugenga.com for additional interpretations of the runes based on multiple references and personal reflection.
06 Dec 25

to shatter ice

seething a steel spike
to shatter ice, to
strike sparks to stone
sever sinew & send
a tattoo to bone

pierce mine eyes
so the seeing can begin

shh tell no one this lullaby it is our secret to own welcome to this razor wire

05 Dec 25

casting runes — 05dec25
othala
```
emerging ash smudged &
marked as nowhere
from the beginning—
back to the barrow
on a dark wood trail
lined of poppets & treats
```
A poem prompted by a randomly selected Elder Futhark rune.
Today’s rune is othala, which has a core meaning of “heritage”, “inheritance” and “legacy”. These are all associated with home, kin, ancestors, stability and (in some interpretations) past lives or spiritual legacy.
Please visit my Elder Futhark pages at sceadugenga.com for additional interpretations of the runes based on multiple references and personal reflection.
05 Dec 25

waiting drawn

cord bound in lace and
burning wheels
to find my way back
to ringwood fires and
turquoise nights that
i can never wipe 
from my mind's eye...

ragged lips become
a stolen kiss, there 
upon empty mounds

long has waiting drawn
for her there still

04 Dec 25

after the flesh

it is unkindness
painted a dark blade
they deliver blindside
a haunted wondering
of what was left
unsaid in the
somespace beside
as black warmth
clings cooling
after the flesh

04 Dec 25

casting runes — 04dec25
fehu
```
i traded too much away
for comfort's sake—
i would give back
most of my gold
in exchange for
a simple block of wood
```
A poem prompted by a randomly selected Elder Futhark rune.
Today’s rune is fehu, which has a core meaning of “cattle” or a more generalized “livestock”, which was a representation of personal wealth or earned prosperity. Sometimes luck played a role. Wealth and prosperity was valued, but was looked down upon when material accumulation appeared to be excessive, greedy, miserly or turned to hoarding, especially when those around you were lacking.
Please visit my Elder Futhark pages at sceadugenga.com for additional interpretations of the runes based on multiple references and personal reflection.
04 Dec 25