The Shield

I am foundation and roof
Line first and line last
In service I live
No trespassers may pass
Life fated short
Sundered I shall fall
Bound to oath and honour
I shall never crawl
I am weapon, not armour
Lightning cast forth
Smother foe’s fire
Storm wind of the north
When bound to my brothers
Oak of the field stands
For each one lone standing
A king shouldering the land
I guard not a warrior
Not he who wields might
Our sons, daughters and lovers
Shielded each day, each night