Viking poetry is at best, difficult to write as it demands a through knowledge of not only their myths, but their Gods as well. In addition the meter and use of alliteration, as has been noted by a few people, is tough to adapt to modern English.

In my studies I have run across some that are seemingly concerned with more mundane topics, by that I mean that they refer to the disasters that befall the "comman man". Perhaps, the following snippet will please the hall? It is taken from Sonatorrek (Lament for My Sons) in chapter 78, a poem in honor of Egil's two sons, Böðarr and Gunnarr,Böðarr died in a boating accident. According to accounts, "Egill was so grief-stricken that he locked himself in his bed-closet, intending to starve himself to death." However his daughter,Þorgerður tricked him into eating. Later she convinced him to compose a poem in honor of his recently deceased sons. The sculpture shown above depicts Egill carrying Böðar's body back from the shore and is located at Böðar's grave site.

Now my course is tough
Death, close sister
of Odin's enemy
stands on the ness
with resolution
and without remorse
I shall gladly
await my own.

The translations are by Bernard Scudder from The Compete Sagas of the Icelanders.