Battle of Maldon (excerpt, again)

Author unknown

There was a crashing of shields. Seafarers came forth
enraged in the fight; the spear often went right through
the life-houses of the fated. Then Wystan went forth,
Thurstan’s son, he fought against the warriors—
he was in the press, the killer of three of them,
before Wigelin’s son lay dead among the slain.
There was a stern moot there. They stood fast,
warriors in the warfare, warriors perishing,
warriors wearied by wounds.
                                    The slain fell to the earth. (296-303)

Oswold and Eadwold all the while
both of them brothers, encouraged the warriors,
their friendly companions they urged with their words
that they must endure there in their need,
not weakly, using their weapons. (304-8)

Bryhtwold spoke out, heaving his shield
(he was an old comrade), brandishing his spear;
very boldly he advised the warriors:
“Resolution should be the tougher, keener the heart,
the mind should be greater when our power diminishes.
Here lies our lord, all chopped up,
a good man on the gravel. He will always regret it,
he who thinks to turn away from this war-play.
I am old in life—I don’t wish to wander away,
but I’m going to lie down by the side of my lord,
beside these beloved men.” (309-19)

Written about the battle of Maldon, which took place on August 10-11 991 CE. From the perspective of the Anglo-Saxons. The battle was between the England and the vikings, to oversimplify it. Both the poem’s beginning and ending are lost.

There are always a lot of themes to play with. Many not the intention of the author of the time. But there is something about the expectation of service in this.

Every day I select a war poem, and respond to it, generally in poetic form. But perhaps not. Each poem grabs at something a little differently. Sometimes the themes blend together, sometimes they contradict. Many poets, were veterans themselves, others not. Their perspectives vary, and the poetry does in response. I’ll continue to do this as long as I keep finding poetry that explores novel or meaningful themes. You know, until the well runs dry.

Service obligation, privilege

This privilege, obligation, you’ll regret
Lay down your life, lay down beside
Lay down your children, grandchildren
Set them aside, and choose honor

Beside your lord, your country, for
Duty and honor, service, show them
You are of greater heart, stronger
Mettle, chopped up in this gravel

Set aside your selfishness, desires
A soft kiss, a lover’s warm hands
A child’s laughter, fails to compare
To a good man on the cold gravel

Photo by Dylan Freedom on Unsplash