Page 55 - Highlights 2020 FINAL

The Tale of the Great Kraken

Legends thrive from society to society,

But Scandinavians have one that induces great anxiety.

A mythical sea creature of immense proportions

May be fifty-feet long, or its size has some distortions.

With enormous tentacles it’s said to have grabbed sailors,

Squeezing and consuming the bodies of Nordic whalers.

Is the Kraken truly a product of Scandinavian lore?

Perhaps its targeted vessels fell to the ocean floor.

“Fish tales” are popular in many seas throughout the world,

But the Kraken is a squid and many ships it has hurled.

Since the concept originated in Nordic tales,

Giant squid sightings are reported wherever man sails.

The Kraken is surely a most intriguing sailors’ yarn,

But Scandinavians take heed of the tall tales that warn,

For none wish to test the near-impossible validity

Of a Nordic legend ripe with vivid morbidity.

Highlights 2020 Jewel of the Sea 55