barefoot hanging at
the torrid cafe
pretending desperate
to look away but
a smirk and a wink
and all secrets exposed
in the red rush rising
as he stands up
leaving coffee to go cold
all alone
at the torrid cafe
Tag: poetry
torrid cafe
casting runes — 17jan26

algiz her breath mine
gliding across time
my heart beats
same as her wings
taking to sky beneath
stones under these feetA 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 placecasting 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 nightcasting runes — 14jan26

algiz embracing skymothersun
asking for her daylight come
to pierce the shadows bright
grounded, stone me grows
'twixt the narrows
drinking a wellspring below
my arms hold boisterous crows
celebrating her returnA 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.
little of this dying

Photo by Alice Alinari on Unsplash handbare hip, we hold to night
caress of thigh to thigh to
drink you with raggedbreath
nectar sweet the tongue tasting so
we forget stars falling, give to
eyedrawn and sinking, looking
past doors locked against pale
leannán, drain of misery
let come, let call, let dream
bring me a little of this dyingritual carving

Photo by Harald Pliessnig on Unsplash i carve away ritual
peel away the chapped &
speak with raw lips
to swear to sacred love
again
she stands stones
above the water
everyday waiting in
each finger bend
in every finger fold
a flower waiting for bloom
hush
waiting on flows form
while dawn fills—
mouth to mouth,
breath to breath,
eyes give to eyes
known





