Sven Questions His Valkyrie's Tears Poem by elysabeth faslund

Trailing twisted shreds...
(Sunlight, moonlight, as one,
When the many, merely stars,
Waltzed Comets in Universal
Step, stride, twirl...)

Of warrior armor, his luminous
Fixed-red blood in seeming
Stasis.
He strangled shaking eyes
To once-fair face, stammered,

'Why tears, Valhalla Lady?
My task to die, yours to ride,
Guide to the Hall of Warriors
Where, horn-in-hand, I boast,
Drink with my kin.'

The Valkyrie's horse puffed
Ice mist, slowed, shook the
Earth with its head. Turned in
Air.
Turned the world in Time.

'I loved you, warrior. I had
Hoped...
Take this necklace, to wear in
Battle I return to you.
The Dead...
The Dead never speak
While alive.'