Nine days ago Njordh left her hall
And to the beach returned
The shining bride was in his wain
The one for which he yearned
The gulls cooed softly all day long
The waves made song all night
He spread his gold before his bride
The sun shone off it bright
"My father's wealth", the goddess said,
"Does pale compared to this"
"But nine days long I've lingered here"
"My home I do so miss"
"The screech of gulls cannot replace"
"The song of wolf and crow"
"Nor can the sea, reflecting sun"
"Match moonlight on the snow"
And so she kissed his bearded cheek
And quickly turned around
He knew he could not change her mind
So neither made a sound
He watched her wend her way back home
Then stared across the sea
He thought of life without her now
And of what could ne'er be:
"The wind does yield at my command"
"The tides obey me still"
"But all the power at my hand"
"Could never change her will"
"Sometimes within my timbered halls"
"My thoughts and prayers return"
"To the shining bride of the gods"
"For whom I'll always yearn"
- Joe Mandato 3/17/2001