! Assembly of The Elder Troth - Poetry - Tree of Pain

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The following work is Copyright of its' author. This work is currently specifically allowed to be presented anywhere as has been directed by the author as long as it remains intact and this Copyright notice is included.

Tree of Pain
(© 2005 John T Mainer)

As I walked and I worked
the wounds of my service
lit my every step with fire

I hung between calling the sword of rage
or meditations shield
to take me out of the pain

When I chose instead, for reasons unknown
to open wide my arms
and offer to Odin as a gift

As if in answer, adrenaline surged
my gift refused, unworthy
the rage of long habit slipped leash

With iron will I chained the beast
and hung in my pain for answers;
Like Odin on the Tree

Why refused my offer was?
the answer surged from my memory
bitter as the serpents spume

My child's face when yesterday
rage I chose over pain
and lashed her with my spite

The weakness mine, the payment hers
the shame burns so cold
as the pitiless eye of my Lord

Pain, a coin like any other
to spend for what you will;
like the loving smile of a child.

Never again, a child to pay
what should by my pain be bought
by my name, by my oath, I vow

Now I hang on the Tree of Pain
between the shield of peace, and the sword of rage
in the stormlash laughter of my Lord.

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