And now I close my eyes to dream
of silent drums beating
‘neath the sea’s dark breast--
its heinous tempo
shaping Norns’ decree.
Begging only this,
Do vassal’s whims hold no weight?

And now I close my eyes to dream.
Sky dark as a sceptre’s cloak
above the pathless deep.
The wind’s ghastly sweet melody
like severed chords
calling me hence.
Pray, who shall banquet on my soul?

And now I close my eyes to dream,
clad in blood and glory,
soul bared
and heart impaired.
Left adrift on a sea of
forsaken semblances.
Have all Valkyries been recalled?

And now I close my eyes to sleep,
musing over triumphs gone.
Squalls battering this fallen barque
betwixt my prison and my tomb,
staring into a black abyss.
The heavens are atilt tonight.
Will the abyss not gaze back?

A breadth from Helheim’s gate
I awaken from deceitful slumber
and raise my mead-horn.
Skål! Skål!