Valkyrie

One winter he sailed forth
Away, afar to the dark cold north
His mind set on the stories told
By voyagers young and old
He thought of that fateful night
When he ran away feeling light

Tales of treasure beyond measure
Filled his heart with great pleasure
Lands so beautiful with fjords and brooks
Mountains and forests wherever one looks
But most he dreamt of the chance to see
Herja the Great valkyrie

Her beauty renowned far and wide
As was her anger which swept like a tide
There was a hush when they spoke her name
All the noise it overcame
She rode upon a fair white horse
And ruled with force the mighty Norse

The journey lasted many a new moon
He raved alone like a crazed loon
Storms tore apart the humble sails
The thunder silenced his rants and wails
Hunger and thirst rent his mind
No land or ship he could find

One day he felt so tired and sore
He wept aloud and gave a huge roar
Cursed everyone who told him the lore
Decided to die and live no more
He ran and grabbed the only oar
But lo! he beheld a great white shore

He rowed afresh with hopes high
A smile on his face only so wry
Paddled so much he ran aground
But screamed with joy and jumped around
Saw a forest and went inside
From the bitter cold he wanted to hide

He strove on with much courage
Once again he felt young of age
Then there came along a fresh trail
Believed again that he would not fail
He walked and walked till he fell
Then awoke to the sound of a tinkling bell

Wonder filled him as he became
Aware at last of the splendid name
Of the place he found himself
Tended upon by a noble elf
Whereupon he went he saw great lords
For this was Valhalla the hall of Gods

He drank the sights and his soul was healed
Such powers the gods did wield
Once the wounds all did clear
Again the desire through his heart did sear
To see the Lady Herja great
He felt so sure it was his fate

When the lords heard his wish they smiled
They said to him, "Dear child
We hope you pine for something else
For her eyes deep as wells
Will blind your mortal eyes
We assure you we speak no lies"

But he would not have his wish denied
Peeked at her at a royal ride
The lady atop her splendid steed
She felt his presence and gave him heed
Blinding him before he would see
Herja the Great valkyrie