Vinland Stained

Thorfinn's men bend their strength.

From Iceland west the longships plough.

Seeking men, thrusting men,

leaving Greenland in their wake.

New land beckons, land of grapes.

wild corn, breathing space

Smoke drifts lazily over the hills but:

Swift canoes, deft paddles,

flitting shadows.

Others have seen,

others with needs.

Crimson shields hoisted aloft,

shields of war, red with blood.

Skraelings respond with

wailing flails.

Man clashes with man,

greed and selfishness emerge.

A finger of scarlet cloth

for soft Pine Marten fur.

One dupes another

and tempers flare.

Land vast enough for all,

tainted, besmirched by

lust and exploitation.

Great potential withers

and tempers explode.

By the shores of Newfoundland

looking ever west,

smoke drifts lazily to

a setting sun as hammers clang

and men dream of home.

L'Anse aux Meadows: Tribe threatens

tribe and dreams fade.