Spectral Wild Hunt

In Midwinter, Geminids spark across the quilted night sky

To join in Odin’s Spectral Wild Hunt—

Ravens, Huginn and Munnin, encircle above high

to bring news of Midgard, back with a cry.

Each year, see me with telescope heavy in hand, as I hobble and grunt:

In Midwinter, Geminids spark across the quilted night sky.

Each year, the meteors fall faster, winds breathe a deeper sigh—

with more wrinkles on my hands to confront.

Ravens, Huginn and Munnin, encircle above high

to speak to wolves, Geri and Freki, of future carrion scry.

Hark! These tired eyes, this Wednesday, count 27 bright comet tails, blunt.

In Midwinter, Geminids spark across the quilted night sky.

But lo! This may be the last year that I

count their fiery spectral trails float back to front—

Ravens, Thought and Memory, encircle above high.

At least leave me, in this cold, open bower to lie—

under the throes of a final celestial punt:

In Midwinter, Geminids spark across the quilted night sky.

Ravens, Huginn and Muninn, encircle above high.