I follow the lead of my ancestors
who committed epics to stone, via
hammers, chisels, sharp rocks
stories, histories endure, still studied

my people wrote on reindeer skins
with intricate threads and techniques
told elaborate tales on functional
vessels of iron and pewter they cast

their exploits recorded in a language
they invented, refined, exported as they
traveled far and wide on their advanced
skills as sailors, navigators, explorers

I follow the lead of my forbearers in
cataloging heroic acts, far-flung journeys
though my skills in rune stone carving
are minimal, rusty, highly unrefined

In the spirit of those who came before me
I blaze new trails through an ether of HTML
letters far more impressive when chiseled
crisply, weathered into Scandinavian granite

I am a different man for a different time
I am what my forefathers were; adventurous,
curious, willing to take chances to pursue…?
creatively, with purpose and great daring

from my chair, at a desk, far less stressfully
on a sleek slab of plastic-encased electronics,
characters struck with unerring precision
by multiple flying chisels disguised as fingers

My words lack the gravity of those etched
laboriously in intricately carved stones though I
remain secure in my comfort, mindful of the
fact that my ancestors possessed no delete key

– Mark L. Lucker
© 2016