Odin's Mistake

Odin, All Father,

What did you expect?

 

You kept men from your halls

Who died in pointless battles,

For, they have no honor.

 

You only accept 

Sacrifice,

Loyalty,

Honor,

Those who the Valkyries

Deemed worthy.

 

Never, did you expect to see

Him

Standing at your door.

 

Him,

In pants that could hold supplies for

An entire army.

 

Him,

In a shirt the color of 

The forest.

 

Him,

Who has fought enough

Battles to make you

Cry in shame.

 

Him,

Who has sacrificed himself

More times than you

Ever expect from a man.

 

Him, 

Who’s first introduction is

“Hey, I’m Doug. Sweet place

You got here.”

 

Although he is not quite what you

Are expecting,

You stand.

 

“Brave warrior Doug,” you greet.

“What have you done to 

Deserve a place

At my table?”

 

He takes a seat

At the head of

Your table.

 

“Eh, not much.”

 

Arrogance and humility

Of a hero.

 

“Surely, you have shown greatness

In war.”

 

“Nope,

Never been.”

 

Oh, All Father,

You never could have known the mistake 

You would make,

When you allowed all

Soldiers equal opportunity

To join you.

 

“But, I’ve played a million

Games

About it.

 

The last one-“

 

“Games!?” 

The halls shake.

Even the portraits 

Cower at the sound

Of your voice.

 

Unfazed by your

Screams, Doug nods.

 

He has confirmed your 

Greatest fear

That somehow

Man has made Valhalla 

Their new home.

 

Valkyries swarm in,

Each with a new man,

Wearing the same

Uniform.

 

And, the gods 

Weep.

 

Comments

Additional Resources

Get AI Feedback on your poem

Interested in feedback on your poem? Try our AI Feedback tool.
 

 

If You Need Support

If you ever need help or support, we trust CrisisTextline.org for people dealing with depression. Text HOME to 741741