The Long Voyage

The storm was great, the long ship sailed safely passed the dire straits. The shadow

of land could be seen in fog, and we spotted ghost ships, wrecked in heaps embedded in

bogs. But Odin watches over us and proud of our Dragon- prowed ships, we fear nothing,

and our hearts are rich. I shouted gleefully and say, this must be the way. For I am to go

where no one has gone before and set foot on some unknown sandy shore. It is not easy

to leave. To leave my home and embark across endless seas and scribble in tomes.

But I am the Viking King you see, I must not fall to my knees! I must sail the oceans,

conquer the lands, pave the way for my clans. The Norsemen are here to stay. Let's stand

and pray that we last each perilous day.

But my thoughts give me away. For the future we make, from our hearts we create. Our

world is vast and we must make it last. I've seen tribes and people of far and I wonder

who they really are. Different and kind I've seen, very interesting. Not always war, but

trade and more. I realize that the world is great and we should celebrate.

Keep your mind open, eyes and ears clear (never fear), nose to the wind and embrace the

good things in life, and enjoy the wondrous sights. Love your wife, your children, never

fight. Take this advice, from an old Viking King who must travel the world and see what

has not been seen. I believe we are destined to grow and learn and not be stern. Old age,

can make you see a different way. Wisdom comes to you at odd times, but when it does,

it rings true and you never lose. The long voyage is never over but I sometimes wish it

would bring me back home sooner, to snow covered land and taking my wife's hand,

drinking, eating, loving, and making babies every morning. I may be just an old warrior,

been in combat too many times, adorned with battled scars, and a face not too kind. But I

tell you..... My heart is true. I have seen the light. And by Odin! It is right. I wish only

peace right now, to be home and surrounded by the sounds of my family, but I am stuck

in this ritualistic formality..