A Visit from Gandalf

'Twas minutes before teatime, when all through the Shire,

Every kettle was steaming on top of a fire.

The teacups were set on the table with care,

In knowledge that old Balin would soon be there.

Once Bilbo and Balin were both snug in their chairs

They reminisced with stories that raised some of their hairs,

And with the dwarf munching on seed cakes

Nostalgia between them began to cause heartaches.

When outside the hole there arose such a clatter

The hobbit sprang from the table to see what was the matter.

Out the green door he flew like a flash

To see if it was a rogue goblin who caused the crash.

The sun shone off the green growing grass,

The hill was glowing as bright as a handle of brass.

Thankfully, it was not an evil creature afoot

Or even a chubby, old elf all covered in soot.

Instead in clearing smoke from a spell,

Was a wizard the hobbit and dwarf knew quite well.

"Gandalf!" they greeted as happy as could be

As the wizard announced it was not just he,

"Come Dwalin! Come Bombur! Come Bofur and Bifur!

Out Oin! Out Ori! Out Nori and Dori!

Now into the house, now into the hole

Gloin wanted to be here, but was slowed by a troll."

As fast as wargs on fire, into the hole they did fly

Not one stopped to make sure his feet were dry.

Over to the table clearly set for two

Followed by Bilbo, Balin, and Gandalf, too.

Then with a clinking Bilbo heard in the kitchen,

The teacups set on the table were quite fetching.

Mr. Baggins had a chance to look around

As the dwarves all began to settle down.

Their cloaks covered them from head to foot.

A few of the dwarves seemed sprinkled with soot.

Some guests had long beards flung over their backs

To keep from tripping when stepping on cracks.

Their eyes, how they sparkled like gold that adorned them

Or the jewels embroidered in their shirts' and pants' hems.

Smiles on their faces large are enough to see molars,

The beards on their chins were a medley of colours!

They put their pipes tight in their teeth

When Gandalf moved smoke rings looked like a wreath!

Bombur still had his gigantic, round belly

Which shook when he laughed, like a bowl of cram jelly.

They were such an odd and peculiar sight,

Bilbo could not help but laugh like a sprite.

Soon the dwarves tired of smoking and tea

They began songs of adventures when Bilbo was absentee.

They sang of their time since the grand battle

Most of the lines were mainly just prattle.

Soon when the song came to its close

Gandalf proclaimed it was near time he goes.

The wizard sprang to his feet, stated his spell,

And disappeared with an overly loud yell.

The cups vibrated with the shout's great might,

"Happy reunion to all and to all a good night!"