Seax - my sword companion

Discovering that Saxon Christians, like Caedmon, often wrote poetry in which objects spoke for themselves, the most famous being "The Dream of the Rood", inspired me to write a poem about a sword brooch I was given recently.

Seax - my Sword Companion

Sword-companion, bold and brave
Sitting at my side today
A sword in the Spirit, now I see
God's weapon here on earth for me.

"Cast from a stone with metal filled
Melted down and shaped and drilled
I sit, a weapon, on her hip
Joining prayer that flows from lips

Which speak of Him who reings on high
Worshipped by angels in the sky
A warrior-friend am I, of old
Yet made of steel and not of gold.

Worn to signify the Lord of Hosts
Is ever present in her boast
That she might run the fullest race
Filled up with all His power and grace

And so I sit, near her right hand
Ready to battle for the land
Contending for the truth of God
And seeking service with the Lord."

Grateful am I for God's provision
To me thus, in my decisions
As I war in prayer, I use the Word
and keep my companion, faithful sword.

(c) Jane Almond Nov 2007