(Children are encouraged to guess which runes apply to the various lines within the poem.)

The Futhark

By Matthew Guy

The children of Freyja, are giving and kind,
But to take them for granted, is folly of mind.

The first is a treasure, to cherish and hold,
The second is a wild ox, not yet come into the fold,
The third is a giant, prickly like fire,
The fourth knows the gods, who guide and inspire,
The fifth is a wagon, on the journey through the night,
The sixth is a torch, that brings welcome light,
The seventh likes gifts, we receive and we give,
The eighth is the joy, in how we live.

The children of Heimdall, are wise in lore,
But not all wisdom is welcome, in the host's hall.

The first is the hail, that stings and distracts,
The second is the will, to deliver us intact,
The third is the cold, that freezes and constrains,
The fourth is the harvest, that gives us our grain,
The fifth is a yew tree, tall and old,
The sixth is a chance, to take if one is bold,
The seventh is protection, for hearth and home,
The eighth is the sun, that shines bright and alone.

The children of Tiwaz, are never forlorn,
They are foundation upon, which oaths may be sworn.

The first is our strength, justice and title,
The second is the beginning, of new cycle,
The third is a horse, that carries us far,
The fourth knows the folk, and knows who we are,
The fifth is the water, in lakes and streams,
The sixth is the force, of life and dreams,
The seventh is the day, that dawns anew,
The eighth is the homeland, of me and of you.