The strength of ten men
scarcely was enough
when I dove deep
to meet the monster
in her lair
Grendel's grim mother raging
in her grief
over the death
of her misshapen son
whose wanton acts of murder
in my mead hall
led me to end his life
with my strong hands

Instead of peace
the mother's wrath was our reward
and once again it was my place
to act the hero
I dove holding my breath
what seemed an age
down into her dark cave
beneath the sea
there we fought hard
until my sword bit
and her blood
stained the green
ocean waters red

I had no joy in this
my heart is ever
with the pleasures
of the mead hall
festive food and drink
the harpist's songs
the sweet embraces
of my queen
but I admit I'm glad
that of the two of us
I was the one who
made it back to land
now my men can rest easy
knowing the beast
no longer lurks outside our hall
seeking revenge

I take it as a welcome gift
and also curse
this strength
that makes me first
among the fighting men
when battles rage
then am I Beowulf
the bee wolf
one who braves
the flying swarms
to steal their honey
I the great brown bear
guarding my cubs
with wild ferocity
I have that spirit
for the honey eater gifted me
these hands and arms
of more than human strength
likewise my name
and I must live out all
that name intends