Last year, after reading Beowulf for the second time, my muse decided it was time to show up and I wrote the following poem :) Enjoy!
Troubles rose, the monster woke
The long recluse began attack
Hard-pressed the hard fought men who lacked
The pow’r and skill of a hero’s track
Twelve long years the terror remained
Holding unwilling absolute sway
O’er renowned king and people brave
Enough, yet trusting self to save
But one day borne o’er winter white wave
A hero tall of courage, great
The renegade hell-spawned foe to slay
And carry triumph in his wake
After feasting with king and thralls,
Laying his keen sword by a wall,
He entrusted battle outcome to the all –
Powerful hand of Lord Jehovah
As David fore Goliath’s height,
He cared naught for Grendel’s might
Born from hell – a mighty blight
To God’s earth – unarmed He’d fight
As the cursed enemy strode toward
Hero intent on devouring the horde
Of warriors asleep at mead-hall board,
His attention was diverted by their lord
Beowulf rose and iron graspt
His foe’s wrist, twisting clasp
Until with mighty tearing rasp
Demon’s arm and body sever at last
Next morn as dawn rose swathed in cloud
The people gaped as gath’ring crowd
Appeared for proof of hero’s vow
Now fulfilled; He standing proud
Scare original, though, this hero’s tale
Different time, place, and details
All trace back to Him whose life prevails
O’er death, enemy consigned to hell
Christ, true hero, banished horror
Leads through vales of pain to fairer
Realms of bliss where shall we ever
Safe at last, praise Him forever.
And today let us remember
Beowulf’s example follow ever
In battle-fight, temptation’s hour
Trust the Lord, not our own pow’r
Only then is victory e’er assured
Release from bondage, sin-sick cured
Monsters vanquished, salvation secured,
We emerge finally matured.
