Legacy Poem by John T Shillito

Where is it now, that fire that burned in my blood
sent me, careless, bare sark, to meet my foe
the battle rage that sweeps me up, and all before
or girds me in the bloody maul of shieldwall

Where is that fierce need to see and know it all
to follow the dragon, to plough the lonely furrow
questing, ceasless, out over the edge of the world
to set my heel on lands unknown, to make them mine

Where is that quick fierce strength, that passion
proud to carry the banner of my liege and lord
to dare that lonely death, or the wyms of hel
for my bond, my word, for pride in my given oath

Where is that brave heart, strong to bear me up
to take my blood and sons, and sons of sons
on across this world, bringing our fire and iron
writing our claim in lifesblood on the very earth itself

sons of our true line, surging out to carve the way
out across the oceans, to spend blood and seed
leaching the valour, and the spirit from this isle
bleeding its soul, one fierce, wild dropp at a time

That potent flood, twined with heroes and kings
now ebbing, drained by endless spineless prattling
thieves and lawyers now plunder with impunity
binding us, helpless, smothered in an insipid web

Still we gather, to drink and speak again of war
but it is a hopeless brew, the fires choked in ash
and though our champions once more step forth
it is surely a sign - they contest but a bag of wind

Is this our heritage now, ancient spirit broken
while the ghosts of our ancestors helpless rail
forefathers beat their breasts in impotent rage
and it is only in dreams that I rise bare sark and bloody-handed once again