trobaire.org

a collection of literature from poets, bards, songwriters, and skalds in the SCA

First Drottkvaett

Poem (Canso): 
Worthy warriors struggle
With two foes, yet fight well
Swords to strike one foe down
Sea may yet take its toll.

Fresh-killed men stare sightless
Finally foes are vanquished
Wounded, weary sailors
whisper of their feyness.

Go well, friends lay fallen
Fate does speed you elsewhere
Valhalla lies in store
Comrades, our friends lost here.

Sinking, ship lies silent
Broken, battered, listing
Frightened, fearful of the
Frothy water, waiting.

Morbid moaning wind blows
Mere rags ship's sail now
Carmine pools shine sullen
Snapped spars once strong as yew.

Somewhere sun is shining
Wives come and loves to shore
Wait you days and nights long
Your men come home no more.