sharon brogan
http://www.sbpoet.com
http://www.sbpoet.net
http://smallpoems.sbpoet.net
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Alison Croggon <[log in to unmask]>
Date: Thu, Nov 27, 2008 at 4:23 PM
Subject: Fwd: Fitt V
To: Stephen Vincent <[log in to unmask]>, sharon brogan <[log in to unmask]
>
Hi there
My mail is not getting through to jiscmail, which apparently is a
"temporary problem". Probably something to do with gmail. In the
meantime, would you mind forwarding the next thrilling instalment of
the ongoing serial?
(Well, maybe not so thrilling, but we're creeping closer to the
Action, fitt by fitt...)
xxA
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Alison Croggon <[log in to unmask]>
Date: Thu, Nov 27, 2008 at 8:19 AM
Subject: Fitt V
To: "Poetryetc: poetry and poetics" <[log in to unmask]>
V
The stone-paved street guided the men
and they walked on, their mail-coats harsh
in the pale light, the ring-iron glittering,
and they sang in their arms as they marched straight
in their grim gear to the high hall.
Then, sea-weary, they set down
their wide shields with war-hard bosses
against the wall. They sat on a bench
in the raiment of warriors, corslets ringing,
amid a forest of spears, the weapon of sea-farers,
silver tipping a grove of ash.
A proud warrior asked them then:
"Why do you carry plated shields
and sea-grey armour, masked helmets
and this host of spears?
I am Hrothgar's herald and officer
and I have never seen such brave strangers
enter these halls from a far country.
Valour surely, not exile, brings you:
greatness of heart here seeks out Hrothgar."
The proud prince of the Geats answered,
hard under his helm. "We are Hygelac's
feasting companions. My name is Beowulf.
I wish to tell my errand to your lord,
if so noble a king will permit us
to enter his presence."
Wulfgar spoke, the Wendel's leader,
known among men for war-skill and wisdom.
"I will ask the Lord of the Danes,
giver of rings, friend of the Scyldings,
and tell you his answer."
He quickly strode
to grey-haired Hrothgar, throned among earls,
and stood by his shoulder. He knew the customs
of courtly men. "These men have ventured
over the sea, from the land of the Geats.
Their leader is Beowulf. They desire
to speak with you, lord. Do not refuse them,
gracious Hrothgar; their war-gear shows
that they are nobles, men to respect,
and their prince is a mighty warrior."
--
Editor, Masthead: http://www.masthead.net.au
Blog: http://theatrenotes.blogspot.com
Home page: http://www.alisoncroggon.com
--
Editor, Masthead: http://www.masthead.net.au
Blog: http://theatrenotes.blogspot.com
Home page: http://www.alisoncroggon.com
