Abecedarium Chronarium

Of all the Rune Poems I found, this one is my favorite. Rune poems are a way to remember the sound, shape, and symbolism of each individual Rune. The following poem is a modern take on the old poems.

• Fehu

Cows, like gold,
Flow from the king;
Generous with wealth,
Avoiding the wolf.

• Uruz

Aurochs show strength,
Drive out the dross.
The cosmic cow
Brings the rains.

• Thurisa

Thorns are sharp,
Painful to sit upon.
Giants bring illness,
Bad luck to women.

• Ansuz

Mouth begins language,
A wise start for all.
The All-Father comes
From the opening-place.

• Raido

Riding upon a horse,
Who carries you forth.
Worse for him than you,
But speedy for both.

• Kano

Torch blazes in the hall
Where folk find rest;
It burns to the touch,
And dangerous for children.

• Gebo

Gifts are the responsibility
of those who have much.
Generous folk are loved
and known by all.

• Wunjo

Joy comes from freedom,
Which lightens the load.
The gift of the unknown:
Not knowing brings bliss.

• Hagalaz

Hail is coldest of grains,
And death of serpents.
It beats the earth,
And melts into water.

• Nauthiz

Need gives no choice,
Hard work is its cure.
Children who learn from it
Will grow wise as they age.

• Isa

Ice is beautiful,
A sight to behold;
It is the roof of rivers,
And a danger to cross.

• Jera

Year is the patience,
The harvest we reap
At the end of our toils.
A blessing on the folk.

• Eihwaz

Yew, greenest of trees:
Upheld by deep roots
You guard the fire
And the bow bends in you.

• Perth

Dice-cup is the piece
Bringing laughter to all:
The luck of the roll
Shows them their fate.

• Algiz

Elk-sedge, sharp-tongued:
Protected by blades,
Growing in waters
At the edge of the land.

• Sowelu

Sun, the highest hope,
That lights the land;
Victory over the ice.
Shining ray, sky shield.

• Teiwaz

Tir is the north star,
Guiding the folk aright.
Truth and justice shine
Where his hand is placed.

• Berkana

Birch is the fertile one
Who grows when cut.
Branches reach skyward,
A strong crown of leaves.

• Ehwaz

Horses, joy of princes,
Give rest to the folk.
Prideful, beautiful,
Sacred to the gods.

• Mannaz

Man is joy to his fellow,
But one day he may fail.
Rejoice now in each other,
For the future is unknown.

• Laguz

Water wells up from below,
Flows from the mountain,
Shines with bright gold;
Seek treasures within.

• Inguz

Ing came from the east,
Hero and king to all.
Over the sea he traveled,
The world comes into bloom.

• Dagaz

Day is given unto us,
Rich and poor alike:
Filled with mirth and song,
A boon to the pious.

• Othila

Inheritance holds fast;
The ancestors bring forth
Wealth that never dies.
Joy and peace to the folk.

~ Michael J Dangler