GRENDEL -Kathy Mar -Leslie Fish (copyright date unknown) Dumb as dirt and twice as mean, such a son makes mother crazy Foul as sewers I have seen, ugly, loutish, large and lazy That's the child I've had to raise, what's a Mom to do? Drag him to our ocean cave, and stay to watch him too. Son of mine, you've been a disappointment since your birth Now I've got to bury you in this cold northern earth I know you would be sorry if you weren't so very dead But you never listened to a word I said. Everybody's got to rest, even I get tired and sleepy Sonny left our little nest on errands cruel and creepy Came back with a haunch of Man gnawed down to the bone Left each night from that day on, while I slept like a stone Vikings gathered in their hall, heroes all in war delighting When my Grendel came to call he was met with mighty fighting One among them took his arm, ripped it off for good Chased him to our ocean home and killed him where he stood When I found my wine was spiked, it was far too late to aid him Though there wasn't much I liked, I was often glad I'd made him So I must avenge him now, what's a Mom to do? If he was yours anyhow, I bet that you would too GRENDEL (part two) -Skald-Brandr Toralfsson Backhand blows and trust betrayed, teach a son to love his mother Cursed be he and she that made, less a man than something other Hellbent have I been since birth, damned for father's sin Hating all I stalk this earth, leave havoc where I've been Mother, dear, I know I disappoint you, I don't care All I have to thank you for are long years of despair You tell me that you love me now that my poor life is done but I don't believe you'll miss me when I'm gone Mother snores while Grendel creeps out for sport and bellyfilling Hunting rabbits in their sleeps, such as they were made for killing I the one to teach them fear, I the one to slay Satan's laughter echoes near when Grendel goes to play "Save us, dear Lord, from this Beast," the Danes cried out, a hero came I went to join them in their feast and learned the bitter taste of shame I howled to shatter Heaven's walls, shrieked so Hell could hear Told all creation with my calls my mortal end was near Now at last my breath is gone, Mother, it's too late to chasten Let me lie till death comes on, then away to Hell I'll hasten Heaven's road is hidden from the likes of you or me I'll go when I'm bidden "come", but I will wait for thee... *