High above his agent-ravens soar
cawing coal-clouds
carrion-bird sailing
shadow-winged indifferent
to anything but to what
their master bids,
they watch
they listen to our souls
deduce and know of wars to come,
bringing tidings to the Gods
of battle, blood, and bones.
They watch the soldier slained
to bring him back
to Asgard and their master
Odin’s blót,
to games of sword and ax
to battle, blood, and bones.
Have you lately
seen their hungry shadows
eastward, watching, waiting?
Have you smelled again the reek
of battle, blood, and bones?
Today we are writing poetry of Corvids with Ingrid at dVerse. I had to write about the two ravens of Odin, especially at this time of war in Europe.
May 24, 2022
Björn Rudbergs writings 
They were a bloody lot, weren’t they! Great tribute.
Ravens – ravenous, ravening – the darkness of the old gods, well captured here. I called on old myths,too. These birds attract them!
This is exquisitely drawn, Bjorn! Wow! 😀 I especially like; “shadow-winged indifferent to anything but to what their master bids.” Yes! ❤️❤️
I really like this poem. You’ve captured the power of the mythological birds. I love “shadow-winged” and “they listen to our souls.” That gives me chills!
An excellent response, Bjorn – I love the mythical style and Norse imagery!
This is so chilling and blood curdling Bjorn. They listen to our souls, terrific line! Also love the refrain of: battle, blood, and bones.
This feels like it could be drawn from a saga. Well done.
You have captured the shadows that blacken our skies. I too like the mythological feel. (K)
This mechanism of recurring final lines worked most effectively Bjorn — excellent!
Luv the mythology slant Björn. An intriguing read.
Happy you dropped by my blog.
Much💛love
Very visual, reminding me why I try not to see the dead.
cawing coal clouds – now that is quite an image. Listening to our souls is a bit haunting. Always, something interesting here to read. Love your way with words.
WOW! The beat really builds the haunting ambiance. The dark truth of this war and its aftermath.
Amazing image of ‘coal clouds” and the way your poem reads like a battle cry. I can hear that scepter striking.
Wow! This reads like a part of an epic verse! It has drama, thrills and chills.
Love these turns of phrase: “cawing coal-clouds” and “shadow-winged indifferent.” Definitely got a whiff of the battlefield here, Bjorn.
“they listen to our souls”
I shuddered!
Wonderful evocation. Ravens are the ubiquitous harbingers of doom aren’t they? Chilling to think where they are now.
Love your use of hyphenated words at the beginning!