Category: poetry

  • casting runes — 17jan26

    algiz
    her breath mine
    gliding across time
    my heart beats
    same as her wings
    taking to sky beneath
    stones under these feet

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

    Today’s rune is algiz, which may mean either “elk” (there is some uncertainty if this is the case) or yew (Old Norse). It is associated with the Otherworld, protection/sanctuary, and with guardian spirits/fylgja. The unconscious mind is also sometimes associated with algiz.

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

  • acid rain

    unfolding origami
    i wonder if
    gum foil unicorns
    feel forgotten
    before becoming
    crushed straw dogs
    underfoot while
    acid rain lovers
    slip down the drain

    next time, i say
    leave all folds 
    in place

  • casting runes — 16jan26

    eihwaz
    time to ride with yew
    under iron sky & snow
    frostcrusted beard with
    knifebit skin cold

    drawing from Old
    my ancestors smile upon me

    do yours?

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

    Today’s rune is eihwaz, it’s name meaning “yew”, is a rune of change and transformation. It represents the cycle of life/death/rebirth and is symbolic of the axis mundi (the world tree). The yew is envisioned as a path towards both the underworld and the heavenly realms. Eihwaz is frequently associated both with poison and protection as part of its perceived dual nature.

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

  • casting runes — 15jan26

    thurisaz
    we gnash stone teeth on
    hoarcrust razorwire
    we are icebreakers with
    bones marked scrimshaw
    we dance the ghost
    under driving snow
    for all who fall

    can you stand tall against that?

    A poem prompted by a randomly selected Elder Futhark rune.

    Today’s rune is thurisaz, which has several core translations: “thorn” or “giant”. The rune is often associated with pain or discomfort (often for an important transitional or transformative reason) or raw power that may be destructive. It is also considered protective, regenerative, and is frequently associated with women’s menstrual health.

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

  • weary on a river slumber

    i weary on a river slumber
    i give her lap my head
    wrap my eyes in white
    to mark the unseeing
    to staunch the weeping
    rags scarlet gone the night

    taut rusts the snare
    wrapped ever tight
    around this throat
    twine storm eens brew
    upon where those cast them
    a raging gone the night

    come gloaming at the rushes
     a shattered waving winding
    in the morning’s early light
    i weary on a river slumber
    wrap my eyes up in white
    rags scarlet forever the night