As Remembrance Day approaches, here is a poem about Valhalla, where the heroic fallen are collected for the Norse god Odin by the Valkyries. There they become a fellowship of warriors known as the Einherjar, who train for the day when they will be called to fight for Odin during Ragnarok, or the Apocalypse. 
Excerpt from The Sack of the Gods
Ever 'neath high Valhalla Hall the well-tuned horns begin,
When the swords are out in the underworld, and the weary Gods come in.
Ever through high Valhalla Gate the Patient Angel goes
He opens the eyes that are blind with hate - he joins the hands of foes.
They are forgiven as they forgive all those dark wounds and deep.
Their beds are made on the Lap of Time and they lie down and sleep.
They are forgiven as they forgive all those old wounds that bleed.
They shut their eyes from their worshippers; they sleep till the world has need.
They will come back - come back again, as long as the red Earth rolls.
He never wasted a leaf or a tree. Do you think He would squander souls?
- Rudyard Kipling
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Art work: Valhalla by Fishbot1337
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Poetry Train Monday - 177 - Excerpt from The Sack of the Gods
Posted by Julia Phillips Smith at 10:58 PM
Labels: Poetry Train, Remembrance Day, Rudyard Kipling, The Sack of the Gods
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3 comments:
I've not seen that poem before Julia, I enjoyed it, thanks.
Wow, Julia, that's some powerful mojo in that poem! Love the 'blind with hate' line and the ending is so moving. Thanks for posting this - I've never seen it before.
Kipling is a master. Thank you for putting this effort to remember those who need remembering but are often simply not.
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